Increasing physical activity has major health benefits, even in the overweight and the elderly, and active travel improves health and productivity. Conservative modelling for increased public transport use, walking and cycling showed annual savings of up to 272 deaths, 903 new cases of disease and overall up to $12.2 million in health costs and $22.9 million in production. Increasing active transport can considerably improve health and economic outcomes.

The proliferation of new housing developments on Australia’s urban fringe presents unique opportunities to explore neighbourhoods and mental health. This study investigated the physical and social correlates of mental health in residents of new housing developments and found that mental health was influenced by service availability, security and a sense of community. These findings may help urban planners to design residential areas that promote healthy living.

This review examines the concept of path dependence to better understand barriers to change in the built environment. It explores whether policy-makers tend to become ‘locked-in’ to a particular development pattern that supports car-based transport over more active modes. Results suggest that this framework can assist in understanding barriers to change and provide insights into developing future successful public health interventions.

Preventing contemporary chronic disease is a complex problem that can only be addressed by collaborative partnerships. The Healthy Built Environments Program is an exemplar of such a partnership. It brings health and the built environment together to create environments that support and encourage people to lead healthy lives on a daily basis.

Surveys were administered to pole walking leaders and pole walkers to investigate the characteristics of pole walking leaders, walkers and programs in Australia. Participants’ perceptions of pole walking, and reasons for participation were identified. Pole walking is being practised by an older population for health and fitness benefits, and social, environmental, and personal enjoyment.