At the launch, ACF diector Don Henry spoke of benefits in terms of reduced greenhouse emissions and less addiction to oil. Heart Foundation CEO Dr Lyn Roberts pointed out the health benefits of active transport (cycling, walking).
More than 16,000 Australians are estimated to die prematurely each year, mostly from heart disease and stroke, because they are insufficiently physically active. Physical inactivity also costs the community an estimated $13.8 billion a year ... We need to make the healthier transport choices – walking, cycling, public transport – the easier choices. And we need to replan our communities to promote physical activity – not obesity.
Matt O’Brien (CEO of Diabetes Australia) had a similar view.
Active community environments that encourage walking, bike riding and incidental exercise can help reduce the number of people who are overweight and obese. People who are overweight or obese are at a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is of grave concern in Australia as the number of new cases of diabetes each year would fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground
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