• Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity

Read the full text.

11 November 2011New South Wales, represented by Sydney as its urban centre, is consistently rated as one of the best places to live globally. This is reflected in its high levels of health and wellbeing and its life expectancy consistently topping global comparisons. Public health professionals have evidence that good land use planning and project assessment processes have not only encouraged economic development, but also contributed to the health of the state’s residents.

However, the 21st century is bringing new challenges to the health and wellbeing of NSW residents, including:

• population growth and an ageing population;
• climate change and associated challenges to environmental sustainability; 
• massive increases in levels of chronic diseases including mental disorders; and 
• a continuing gap in health status and life expectancy - throughout society increasing wealth is associated with better health.

The new Strategic Planning and Development Assessment Act presents an opportunity to address these 21st century challenges to health head on.