Health Environment
Description and aims
Glocally the environment we live in and where we create our health is challenged. This stream focuses on the health and equity impacts of, e.g., urban sprawl, infrastructure development (Healthy Airports), walkable access, greenspace, active transport, and healthcare facility and precinct design. ‘Health Environment’, through CPHCE, manages the Healthy Urban Environments Collaboratory at MARIDULU BUDYARI GUMAL SPHERE. The stream builds on a long tradition of separate work across CPHCE collaborations.
Key current research areas
Health and high density urban living
In this research area CPHCE coordinates data collection, dissemination and advocacy on high density residential developments across Greater Sydney. CHETRE convenes a group with Western Sydney, South Western Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District and Parramatta and Liverpool Council representatives; HERDU does the same around developments in Green Square.
Western Sydney Airport
This program focuses on supporting authorities in shaping policies and programmes that facilitate best futures for Western Sydney Airport scenarios. Health Impact Assessments are being carried out, and a research programme into the Healthy Aerotropolis is under way.
Healthy Urban Environments (HUE) Collaboratory - a Clinical Academic Group funded by the MARIDULU BUDYARI GUMALL Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise (SPHERE)
This program brings together different universities and service providers to consider policy-relevant research programmes and strategies to support Healthy Urban Planning.
Key partners
Key partners in the stream and its research programmes are local communities, consumer groups and community advocates, health districts, local councils, and industry.
Stream lead
Evelyne de Leeuw leads this stream.
Current
Projects
The Gaawaadhi Gadudha Study: Understanding how cultural resilience impacts Aboriginal health and quality of life
This project is investigating how Aboriginal cultural gatherings on sacred sites (walaays), that aim to reinforce connection to Country, ceremonial practices, food and medicine gathering/use, and language reclamation, delivered by Yuwaalaraay, Yuin, and Gamilaraay traditional knowledge holders, are linked to resilience, health and quality of life among Aboriginal peoples in Western and South Coast NSW.
Working In Locationally Disadvantaged Communities Learning by Doing Training Program
Working In Locationally Disadvantaged Communities is a learning by doing training program. Learning by doing is the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through active involvement with practical real-world experience. Participants are given the opportunity to apply theory to real life problems.
Working with Councils Health Impact Assessment Learning-by-doing training
In 2018-19 CHETRE was supported by SWSLHD Population Health to run Health Impact Assessment learning-by-doing Training with local councils. CHETRE provided training (3 days face to face) and support to 4 local council teams working on a range of locally based projects. Councils that took part in the training include:
- Wollondilly Shire Council
- Canterbury-Bankstown City Council
- Camden Council
- Campbelltown City Council
