Message from the Hon Lara Giddings MP, Premier of Tasmania

Being physically active on a regular basis brings significant benefits. Many of us know this from our own experiences – the feel-good factor of going for a walk or family bike ride, spending a day in the garden or playing sport with friends – and it is also backed up by scientific research. Despite this, the number of Tasmanians who take part in regular physical activity is too low.

Low levels of physical activity play a key role in the increasing burden of chronic disease in Tasmania, as well as contributing to increased health costs, reduced productivity, increased mortality and the global epidemic of overweight and obesity.

It is well known that physical activity plays a critical role in maintaining good physical and mental health. Regular physical activity also brings many benefits to the whole community. At a social level, it encourages family and community connectedness, improves social skills and networks, and reduces isolation and loneliness. Economic spin-offs include increased employment, improved workplace productivity and reduced health costs. Traffic congestion, air pollution and greenhouse emissions also reduce when we choose to use cars less, and walk and cycle more.

Unfortunately the barriers to people being physically active are not straightforward, nor are fixing them the responsibility of just one person or organisation. Only a truly collaborative approach is going to bring the big turnaround we need.

That’s one of the reasons why we have the Premier’s Physical Activity Council (PPAC).

PPAC was formed in 2001 to provide a coordinated approach to the promotion and provision of opportunities for physical activity in Tasmania. It brings together state government departments, local governments and non-government organisations who all play key roles in ensuring sufficient physical activity opportunities for all Tasmanians.

This website provides a portal of information and resources for everyone involved in physical activity; whether as a participant, promoter, provider, researcher, policy maker or funder.

I encourage you to make use of this site to help you, your family and friends, as well as the broader community to build a stronger future for Tasmania, one where all of us are able to experience and enjoy the many benefits of regular physical activity.