The Heart Foundation is excited to share the latest research on the health and economic benefits of making town centres and main streets more walkable.

This is an update to our 2011 paper of the same name and has again been prepared by Dr Rodney Tolley. Dr Tolley will be presenting a webinar on this paper on Thurs 4 Dec, co-hosted by the Heart Foundation and Mainstreet Australia. Details below.

This second edition builds on the 2011 paper and broadens the scope to examine two increasingly salient, and often contested, factors affecting walkability in commercial streets:

• car parking provision and
• traffic speed.

There is evidence that visitors to town centres and main streets do not put a high priority on car access and parking. Instead, they most value the walkable, amenable, people-oriented public spaces that create safe, welcoming and inclusive environments.

Improved walkability and higher quality business districts which offer enjoyable, comfortable experiences result in more people visiting more often, staying longer and spending more.

The paper’s summary of recommendations are:

1. Improve walking, wheeling and bike riding access to town centres and main streets to deliver greater footfall.
2. Enhance amenity in town centres and main streets by ensuring connected, comfortable and attractive environments with places to dwell and ‘sticky streets’.
3. Reallocate some car parking spaces to create higher quality environments for walking, wheeling and bike riding.
4. Reduce the maximum speed limit of traffic in town centres and main streets to 30 km/hr or less.

You can read the full report on the Heart Foundation’s Healthy Active by Design publications and policies page.

To find out more and register for the webinar visit: healthyactivebydesign.com.au/habd-news/webinar–good-for-business-4-dec-2025

It’s heading into beach walking season! There are resources available to be informed with clear and timely Algal Bloom updates.

• Website: Get clear facts and timely advice on the algal bloom at any time by visiting the dedicated State Government website algalbloom.sa.gov.au – start with the health advice: algalbloom.sa.gov.au/health-advice
• Algal Bloom Hotline is now available by phoning 1800 774 779 – this free SA Government hotline is available seven days a week, 9am-5pm, including public holidays.
• Daily beach condition updates – BeachSafe app: Surf Life Saving SA have current, and useful information on beach conditions posted daily. This includes bloom updates through photos, observation of water discolouration and of the presence of foam. Download the iPhone or Android app.

Walking the Birdie Loop Walk beside on of the former fairways of the golf course

No medications, memberships, or money!

1. Walk Daily (Especially in Nature) – Walking supports your heart, muscles, mood and mind.
   • Aim for 30 minutes a day
   • Explore your local trails, parks or streets
   • Nature walking adds a mental health boost

   Research: A 2020 study published in Scientific Reports found that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and well-being. Walking is also recommended by the World Health Organization as a primary way to prevent non-communicable diseases.

2. Get Quality Sleep – Rest is repair! Good sleep is essential for your body and brain.
   • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
   • Avoid screens before bed
   • Make your sleep space dark and quiet

   Research: According to the Sleep Health Foundation and a 2021 review in The Lancet, poor sleep is linked with higher risk of obesity, heart disease, and mental health conditions. Quality sleep boosts memory, immune function and emotional regulation.

3. Practise Gratitude and Mindfulness – Stress less and feel more grounded.
   • Write down 3 things you’re grateful for each day
   • Take 5 minutes to breathe and notice your surroundings

   Research: 2019 meta-analysis in Journal of Happiness Studies confirmed that regular gratitude practice improves mental well-being and reduces depressive symptoms. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown strong evidence for reducing anxiety and stress (per JAMA Internal Medicine, 2014).

4. Strengthen Social Connections – Social health is physical health.
   • Call a friend
   • Walk and talk with a neighbour
   • Join a local walking group (like ours!)

   Research: A landmark study in PLOS Medicine (2010) found that strong social relationships increase the likelihood of survival by 50%. Social connection is now considered as vital as diet and exercise by health agencies including the CDC and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

5. Drink Water & Eat Whole Foods – Fuel your body with the basics.
   • Drink plenty of water
   • Focus on simple meals with fruit, vegetables, grains and legumes

   Research: The World Health Organization and the Australian Dietary Guidelines emphasize whole food consumption for long-term health. Hydration improves brain function, mood, and energy levels, as confirmed in studies like Nutrition Reviews (2022).

Let’s walk towards better health together!

As part of Men’s Health Week 2025 our Executive Director, Rod Quintrell, is speaking at Shoulder to Shoulder: Connecting for Health on Friday 20 June 2025.

Rod will speak on the top 5 things you can do for your health that do not involve medication, memberships or money.

This will be a great day with:

• Harleys and vintage bikes
• classic cars to look at (10am-10.30)
• smorgasbord style lunch
• basic Health Checks (Uni SA)
• and door prizes, music, interactive activities (virtual reality, pinball, darts and wii bowling)

Cost $15 Bookings and payment required pre-event.

Find out more at salisbury.sa.gov.au/menshealthweek2025 and salisbury.sa.gov.au/council/news-media-and-publications/latest-news/shoulder-to-shoulder-for-mens-health.

Join us to explore the practicalities of delivering real walkability improvements from a local government planning and design perspective.

Hear about the challenges and success stories from local examples.

Wed 12 Oct 2022
9am to 1pm
Networking time and light lunch included

The Joinery
111 Franklin St
Adelaide

Cost
FREE

• Keynote Speaker:
  Anna Campbell,
  Executive Officer of Queensland Walks

• Case study presentations:

  • City of Unley, Tanya Bacic

  • City of Prospect, Mayor David O’Loughlin

  • Department of Infrastructure and Transport, Tim McEvoy

• Panel discussion

• Workshop:
  Delivering walkability in a South Australian context.