A healthy interest in walking

Action 3.2, Action Plan for Walking 2022–2024

Department/Agency: Department of Transport and Main Roads

Status: Complete

Deliver communication that influences individuals, communities and organisations to participate and invest in walking through channels such as proactive media, social media, blogs and e-newsletters.

Overview

Health and Wellbeing Queensland partnered with stakeholders to promote walking for health. They aimed to encourage all Queenslanders to walk. To do this, they rolled out a comprehensive communication strategy. Initial feedback is positive. It shows a rise people attending walking events and greater public awareness of the health benefits of walking.

Achievements

Health and Wellbeing Queensland worked with stakeholders, including:

• Queensland Walks
• the 10,000 Steps program
• the Governor of Queensland
• Bridge to Brisbane.

The agency delivered a communication strategy to increase walking. The strategy targeted diverse groups:

• parents
• corporate workers
• health workers
• rural residents
• people with disabilities.

Highlights include:

• ran Queensland Walks Month mini-campaigns on social and digital media in 2022 and 2023
• created 16 blogs promoting walking. They were shared on Health and Wellbeing Queensland's social media and e-newsletters
• partnered with the Office of the Governor to deliver a series of Governor’s Community Walks, promoted via paid social media advertising and post-event coverage
• amplified the 10,000 Steps program through social and digital media
• showcased the annual Queensland Road Safety Week and Walk to Work Day.

These efforts raised awareness of the health benefits of walking. They encouraged active lifestyles and built a supportive community for walking. Formal evaluations are ongoing. Initial feedback shows more people are joining walking events. Also, awareness of the health benefits of walking has grown.

Next steps

Future initiatives will build on the tactics delivered as part of the communication strategy. It aimed to maximise engagement, provide updates, and promote new walking events. We will refresh and repurpose this content. It will build momentum, inspire participation, and show all Queenslanders the benefits of walking.

More information

• 10,000 Steps program
• Health and Wellbeing Queensland blog