Frequently Asked Questions

Local Governments with existing public health plans

For LGAs with an existing public health plan in 2024 that remains in effect for several more years, there is no requirement to replace it before the end of its current five-year cycle. However, LGAs should review the objectives and policy priorities of the new State Public Health Plan to ensure alignment.

As outlined in Section 45 of the Public Health Act 2016, local public health plans must undergo an annual review to verify that they continue to be relevant and effective. This annual review provides an opportunity for LGAs to incorporate any necessary adjustments and maintain consistency with state priorities, ensuring that their plans remain aligned with evolving public health goals.
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Public Health Planning for Local Governments (website)

Here is the link to the information page published by the Western Australian government Department of Health: 

Public health planning for local government
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Public Health Planning

The link below will download the PDF document published by the Western Australian government Department of Health: 

Public health planning - Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is responsible for developing a Local Public Health Plan?

The task of developing the plan is at the discretion of each local government. The Public Health Act 2016 does not specify any essential skills or qualifications, therefore councils can allocate the task to any appropriate person which may include:

• engaging a consultant
• allocating the task to existing staff such as authorised officers or any other person with the skills and knowledge of public health and strategic planning
• establishing a steering committee of relevant stakeholders which could include councillors, community representatives, businesses and government agencies.

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What should a Local Health Plan look like?

According to the WA Department of Health, there is no specific planning process that must be followed when developing a Local Health Plan, or a one-size-fits-all template:

“Local government can utilise any method that suits their needs in order to achieve the requirements of the Act. This ensures that local government is provided the flexibility and autonomy needed to develop individualised plans’’.

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