The Federal Government has called for local governments to apply for over $26 million in the latest round of the Healthy Communities Grants.

 

The funding, designed to promote healthy lifestyles, was announced by Acting Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler who said an additional $26 million was on offer to local governments to run innovative healthy lifestyle programs and activities that have a focus on supporting adults who are not in the paid workforce.

 

“We already have over 40 local governments successfully delivering Healthy Community projects around the country so it’s exciting that this third round of funding will deliver these programs to a further 47 communities,” Mr Butler said.

 

“Through Healthy Communities local governments are introducing innovative healthy eating and exercise programs including community gardens and activities to learn how to cycle safely to help combat obesity.

 

Local Governments can apply for grants of more than $500,000 to deliver, purchase or provide community-based physical activity and healthy eating programs and activities and to increase the capacity of the community to promote healthy living.

 

Applications are open to local governments, consortia of local governments and regional organisations of councils can apply through the current application round which will close on 19 August 2011. Information on how to apply will be available at: www.healthyactive.gov.au.

 

The $71.8 million Healthy Communities program is funded from the Federal Government’s $872 million record investment in preventative heath.