1 Dismissed Announcement

Public Health Plan 2026-2031

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Overview

The Town of Cambridge is preparing a Public Health Plan that seeks to protect, promote and enhance the health, wellbeing, and quality of life for all residents in our community.

Public health involves the policies, programmes, and protections that promote, maintain, and improve the health of individuals and communities while preventing illness and disability. Improving health and wellbeing is a long-term, complex process that requires thoughtful, strategic action.

A Public Health Plan is a strategic document outlining how a Local Government will promote and protect the health and wellbeing of its residents and visitors. The Public Health Act 2016 requires each local government in Western Australia to produce a Public Health Plan for its local district by 4 June 2026.

The Plan must align with the objectives and priorities of the State’s Public Health Plan whilst responding to the Town's local public health needs and priorities. The State Public Health Plan was proclaimed in June 2025.

The Public Health Plan must:

  • Identify the public health needs of the Town of Cambridge.
  • Examine data relating to health status and health determinants in the Town.
  • Establish objectives and policy priorities for the promotion and protection of public health in the Town.
  • Describe the development and delivery of public health services in the Town.
  • Align with the State Public Health Plan-(State Public Health Plan for Western Australia 2025-2030)

What is the role of Local Government in Public Health?

 

Video source: Government of Western Australia, Department of Health

Local government looks after a variety of programs and services that all have a big impact on the community’s health.

The Town of Cambridge acknowledges its role in the promotion of community health and wellbeing as a part of core business in addition to maintaining its statutory public health role. 

These services, programmes, and infrastructure have been captured below:

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Project Timeline

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Desktop Research and Engagement with State Government North Metro Health

July - September 2025

Analysis of Community and Stakeholder Consultation Datafrom Community Scorecard Feedback and Town of Cambridge Internal Engagement

September - November

Data from community scorecard feedback and stakeholder engagement is collated, analysed and reviewed

The draft public health plan is prepared.

December - February 2026

Draft PHP presented to Council for endorsement for the purposes of public consultation

February 2026 OCM

Draft PHP, released for community and stakeholder comment

March 2026

Stakeholder, Community and Council feedback collated and incorporated into final PHP

April 2026

Present to Council updated PHP seeking endorsement

May 2026 OCM

Launch PHP 2026-2031 and final submission to the Department of Health

June 2026

 

Public Health Plan FAQs

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  • Q: What is the Public Health Plan (PHP)?
  • A: It is a strategic document outlining how the Town will promote and protect community health and wellbeing from 2026–2031.

  • Q: Why is this plan being created?
  • A: It is a legislative requirement under the Public Health Act 2016 (WA) for all Western Australian local governments to develop a Public Health Plan for their district, aligned with the State Public Health Plan. These plans must be prepared and published by 4 June 2026

  • Q: How is community input being collected?
  • A: Community input is gathered via the Community Scorecard Survey conducted in April 2025. The feedback identified key community health themes and has been instrumental in shaping the draft PHP.

  • Q: When can I provide feedback on the draft Plan?
  • A: Community feedback will be gathered on the Draft PHP in early April 2026, via online and printed forms.

  • Q: Where can I view the draft PHP?
  • A: The draft PHP will be published on the Town’s website and made available at key facilities, including the Cambridge Library and Administration Centre and Bold Park Aquatic Centre.

  • Q: What happens with my feedback?
  • A: All submissions will be reviewed and incorporated where relevant.
  • Q: When will the final PHP be adopted?
  • A: The PHP is scheduled for Council endorsement in May 2026 and due for submission to the Department of Health in June 2026.