Qld: Coal towns chosen for health experiment

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2000
Qld: Coal towns chosen for health experiment

The central Queensland coal towns of Bowen and Collinville will be the centre of a
State Government project to encourage people to look after their health through better
diet.

The 14,000 residents of the two towns will be encouraged to lose weight, eat more fresh
fruit and vegetables, be more active and consume less alcohol.

Premier PETER BEATTIE says the aim of the trial project is to develop local initiatives
that improve the health of the community, with a particular emphasis on older people and
men.

The scheme, to be monitored by public health specialists from Queensland University,
was announced by Mr BEATTIE and Health Minister WENDY EDMOND.

Mr BEATTIE says the State Government will put $700,000 into the scheme over the next
two years to help develop strategies that could be used in other Queensland towns and
cities.

He says part of the project will be researching the attitudes of men and older people
towards fruit and vegetable consumption.

Ms EDMOND says the government wants to set up easily sustainable long term programs
that will have a long-term impact.

AAP RTV jfs/as

KEYWORD: DIET (BRISBANE)

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