Amid soaring fuel prices which are prompting Australians to explore alternative transport options, a new study highlights the health benefits of walkable neighbourhoods. New research published today shows that regional residents living in walkable towns and centres walk 75 minutes more each week, prompting calls for governments to invest more in well-connected, safe footpaths to boost community health.
The new paper, led by the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania, was published today in the Australia and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. It’s the first of its kind to show walkability has a bigger impact on the amount of time spent walking in regional communities.
Lead author Dr Sharon Campbell, post-doctoral research fellow in the Environmental Health Research team at the Menzies Institute for Health Research, said that the study highlights the need to enhance walkability in regional and rural towns across Australia.
‘Our study assessed walkability based on how connected and convenient it is to get around an area by foot. For instance, how easily and quickly can you walk to the local shops, schools, parks or public transport,’ said Dr Campbell.
‘When we merged Tasmanian government health data with geospatial walkability assessments, we revealed a clear link between walkability and residents’ physical activity levels across the state, with an even stronger relationship in regional and rural areas.
‘Our research found residents in high walkability regional areas walked 75 minutes more a week compared to those living in low walkability regional areas.
Even those in regional areas of medium walkability walked over 60 minutes more a week compared to those in low walkability regional areas. In comparison residents in high walkability urban centres walked 38 minutes more when walkability was high.’
Simple solution to address health inequality
Senior author Professor Verity Cleland, from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, said that with regional Australian towns experiencing unique health challenges including higher rates of preventable chronic disease, improving walkability could offer a simple, but effective solution to help address health inequalities.
‘Imagine if all Australian towns were built with walkability in mind – everyone would be able to travel easily and conveniently on foot, boosting their health while saving money on fuel and protecting the environment,’ said Professor Cleland.
‘But traditionally government planning and funding has prioritised roads and driving, particularly in regional areas, leading to lack of well-connected footpaths and facilities. Our research uncovered a higher number of regional areas that had low walkability compared to urban areas.
‘Walkability shouldn’t be limited to urban centres. No matter where you live you should be able to walk around your local area safety and conveniently. We need local, state and Federal Governments to do more to set up regional towns with walkable infrastructure to help boost health, particularly in our regional communities.’
Public health priority
Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin, CEO, Public Health Association of Australia said that promoting physical activity across the nation is a public health priority.
‘Being physically active has an enormous range of health benefits including reducing the risk of diseases like cancer, diabetes, dementia and heart disease, as well as improving sleep, mobility, strength, confidence and mental health,’ said Adjunct Professor Slevin.
‘When it comes to health benefits, nothing beats it, and if we could put the benefits of physical activity into a pill, everyone would be taking it.’
Adjunct Prof Slevin said that with less than 25 percent of Australians meeting physical activity recommendations, more needs to be done to make it easier for Australians to live healthy lifestyles.
‘It is recommended adults do at least 30 minutes exercise most days of the week. Walking is a convenient, enjoyable and healthy way to get around. It’s something that families can do together, can be done in almost all stages of life and it is free.
‘Improving walkability right across the country is a sensible and simple way to boost our physical activity and ultimately protect health and well-being.’
The Public Health Association of Australia will host its annual Prevention Conference in Hobart/ Nipaluna on 5–7 May 2026.
This year’s theme is ‘Sustaining Prevention’, with presentations and research examining ways to ensure that prevention systems are funded for the long term, supported politically, and work effectively over the long term to help communities.
