Encouraging regular physical activity

Less than a third of Australians are getting enough physical activity to benefit their health.

This can lead to increased risks of chronic disease and mental ill health, and has been estimated to cost the Australian economy a total of $13.8 billion each year.

Increasing participation in physical activity has health, social and economic benefits. As well as the health gains to be made by preventing chronic disease, the benefits include promoting mental wellbeing and social connections, increasing productivity, and positive changes to the environments we live and play in, such as reduced traffic congestion and safer neighbourhoods.

We partner with sports, active travel and recreation agencies, the arts, and workplaces to create new opportunities for Victorians to make physical activity a part of their daily lives.

New research - Framing walking and bike riding messages

This message guide contains evidence-based recommendations that will help you build public support for more walking and bike riding measures. These are ways governments can make walking and bike riding safer and more enjoyable, thereby enabling more people to move around on foot or by bike. Measures include new or improved footpaths, bike lanes and pedestrian crossings, as well as safer speed limits.

Download the summary (PDF, 1 MB)

Download the full messaging guide (PDF, 2 MB)