Public health planning for local government

Public health planning is a proactive, systematic approach to enhancing the health and well-being of communities. It involves assessing health needs of the community, setting priorities, and developing evidence-based strategies to foster sustainable, equitable, and collaborative health improvements. Through careful planning, we aim to shift focus toward prevention and long-term resilience, benefiting individuals and communities alike.

The Department of Health and local governments share a statutory responsibility for public health. Part 5 of the Public Health Act 2016 was mandated on 4 June 2024, requiring the Chief Health Officer to publish the State Public Health Plan 2025-2030 by 4 June 2025. Local governments must prepare and publish their local public health plans by 4 June 2026. This reinforces the commitment at both state and local levels to effectively plan the health and well-being of all residents.

Public Health Planning Guide for Local Government

The Public Health Planning Guide for Local Government (PDF 1.5MB) provides information to assist Western Australian local governments with public health planning, acknowledging that different local governments may adopt different approaches to developing their local public health plans. This guide should be read in conjunction with the State Public Health Plan 2025 – 2030 (PDF 10MB).

Local governments have a unique opportunity to positively impact the health and wellbeing of their community members through the extensive range of services they provide and for which they are responsible. All local governments are required to plan for the future of their district under s.5.56 (1) of the Local Government Act 1995. Public health planning aligns with, and places a public health lens over, the integrated planning and reporting framework as an informing strategy. This allows a local government to set their priorities within their resourcing capability and deliver short, medium, and long-term community priorities and aspirations.

About public health plans

A public health plan outlines the public health needs of the community it serves and establishes clear objectives and policy priorities to effectively address these needs. It is composed of two key elements:

1. Health profile: An analysis of health data, trends, and determinants that provides insight into the health status and needs of a population, whether at the state (state plan) or local level (local plan). This profile identifies public health risks and highlights areas where intervention can make a meaningful impact.
2. Strategic plan: A roadmap for action, outlining objectives, priorities, and policies designed to promote, protect, and improve public health. The roadmap should be informed by consultation with the local community, and used to guide the delivery of essential public health services and interventions.

Under Part 5 of the Public Health Act 2016, two types of public health plans are required:

1. State Public Health Plan –prepared by the Chief Health Officer and
2. Local public health plans – prepared by each local government district

More information:

• Public health planning webinar (external site)
• New changes to the Public Health Act 2016 2024 webinar (external site)