By Jessica Micallef
Almost two thirds of Macedon Ranges locals are overweight or obese, according to new data.
The 2019 Acting Living Census states that 61 per cent of residents are considered overweight or obese.
Macedon Ranges men were more likely to be overweight or obese compared to females (67 per cent to 55 per cent).
The census also reported that only 14 per cent of Macedon Ranges adults met the guidelines for vegetable consumption and 51 per cent of adults met the guidelines for fruit consumption.
The Acting Living Census is part of a Healthy Heart of Victoria initiative which was funded to address health statistics within the Loddon Campaspe region.
More than 3600 Macedon Ranges residents took part in the survey, providing important information about health and wellbeing across the municipality.
The council’s acting transition director Sarah Noel said Healthy Heart of Victoria was already working to address some of the concerning health statistics within the region.
“We are doing this via projects such as WalKyneton, which is working with community members to design how to make the Campaspe River Trail and outdoor exercise equipment more safe, inclusive, accessible and active,” she said.
The census revealed that 53 per cent of locals wanted to be more active.
The most popular form of exercising across the shire was walking, followed by swimming, bushwalking or hiking, indoor fitness and gym and active play.
Almost one in every six people rated their health as fair or poor and nearly three in every five people, or 58 per cent of residents, consumed more than four alcoholic drinks in one sitting in the past year.
Macedon Ranges mayor Janet Pearce said the results from the census were an important tool to help ensure investments, infrastructure, programs and services were provided where most needed.
“We know that many people want to be more active,” she said.
“Now we have a better understanding of what type of facilities and programs will help to get more people, more active, more often.
“No other region in Australia has this type of data at this level of detail.
“The data will support government and community agencies, schools, sporting clubs, community groups and residents within the Macedon Ranges and across the Loddon Campaspe region to advocate for the health and wellbeing needs of our communities.
“The data will also help our community to obtain funding to create better health outcomes and help drive ongoing positive change across the region.
