The use of health impact assessment to determine the potential impact of an Australian urban development proposal on health and well-being

Authors

Susan Furber, South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service
Dian Tranter, South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service
Ben Harris-Roxas, University of New South Wales
Carolyn Dews, Wollongong City Council
Erica Gray, South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service
Andy Goldie, Wollongong City Council
Cate Wallace, South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service
Darren Mayne, South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health ServiceFollow
Sarah Thackway, NSW Department of Health

RIS ID

83131

Publication Details

Furber, S., Tranter, D., Harris-Roxas, B., Dews, C., Gray, E., Goldie, A., Wallace, C., Mayne, D. & Thackway, S. (2011). The use of health impact assessment to determine the potential impact of an Australian urban development proposal on health and well-being. Urban Policy and Research, 29 (2), 125-139.

Abstract

A health impact assessment (HIA) was conducted on a local government urban proposal entitled "The Blue Mile, Wollongong City Foreshore Project". Findings from the HIA showed that the Foreshore Project had the potential to benefit the health of residents and visitors by increasing opportunities for physical activity and social cohesion. The HIA also indicated there may be some benefits in relation to access to healthy food. This study demonstrated the value of the HIA process as a practical framework for bringing local government and health sectors together to determine the potential impact of urban development on health.