This paper aims to explore the relationship between transport and public health in urban Australia. Well-planned public transportation and city planning has promoted both environmental and population health. On the other hand, cities such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Sydney have become large sprawling metropolises where automobile dependency has become a necessity to the detriment of health and environmental and fiscal resources. Rising incidence of chronic disease, obesity, road trauma, and greenhouse gas emissions, among others, can all be associated with a chaotic relationship between a city and its residents. This relationship problem can be addressed, and needs to be addressed, from a variety of platforms. Policy at federal, state and local levels, along with intersectoral collaboration and grassroots mobilisation can affect positive change for our environment (built and natural) and our health. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E213716.
Abstract