Media Releases
Promoting active transport for Townsville’s young people
Townsville residents are invited to share their ideas on healthy transport options for the city’s school students.
The “Active Transport and Children – Travelling to and from School: Opportunities and Partnerships” Symposium is an initiative of the Active Transport in the Tropics Network and will bring together members of the local community including parents, teachers, sporting groups, and professional organisations to help understand ways to grow active transport in Townsville.
Associate Professor Richard Franklin from the Active Transport in the Tropics Network and James Cook University (JCU) says the health of our community members, and the environment we live in, can be improved through planning now for physical activity like active transport.
“Townsville has been in the spotlight in recent years with national overweight and obesity statistics,” he said. “Healthy habits begin at a young age and the Network aims to contribute to developing the city’s active transport culture and capability”.
As a part of the symposium, Assoc. Prof. Franklin will hold a workshop to discuss ways to break down the barriers surrounding active transport for children.
“Active transport is human physical activity used as a means of travel,” he said. “This can include walking, cycling, skateboarding and more, and it could be integrated with public transport.”
“The symposium is a unique event bringing together knowledgeable and expert community members to share information, discuss, and plan activities to build an active transport-capable Townsville school community.”
The Active Transport in the Tropics Network is supported by JCU and its goal is to contribute to making Townsville the safest, most active, eco-friendly transport city in Australia and the Tropics by 2030.
The “Active Transport and Children – Travelling to and from School: Opportunities and Partnerships” Symposium will be held at Townsville Stadium in Skyboxes 4 and 5 on Tuesday 17 April at 10am. Participation is free. Please RSVP to ensure your place at this event.
For more information or to register:
Julie Parison
Julie.Parison@jcu.edu.au