$43 million prevention investment making real impact on Queenslanders’ health

Two people smiling and embracing in front of a house with a green lawn and clear blue sky.

Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland commits more than $43 million to preventive health
Funding supports established programs for an additional two-year period to 30 June 2027
Since 2021, more than 352,000 Queenslanders have taken action to improve their health through Health and
Wellbeing Queensland’s programs.

The Queensland Government, through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, has committed an additional $43 million over the next two years to renew and strengthen support for preventive health programs across the state.
These evidence-based prevention programs are making an impact, helping Queenslanders make simple, lasting changes to stay healthy.

With 36% of the health burden preventable, this is Health and Wellbeing’s response to taking the pressure off the health system.

Programs receiving renewed support include Deadly Choices, My health for life, Queensland Association of School Tuckshops’ Healthier Tuckshops Program, 10,000 Steps, QCWA Country Kitchens and Life Ed Queensland.
‘Since 2021, more than 352,000 Queenslanders have taken positive steps towards better health through our prevention programs — and that number is growing every day,’ said Dr Robyn Littlewood, Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive.
‘Prevention isn’t a quick fix — it takes commitment, partnership, respect and time — but we are seeing results that I’ve never seen reported anywhere else in Australia.’

‘65% of participants in My health for life achieved a reduced waist circumference; more than 425 school tuckshops have improved the health of their menus thanks to our investment in the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops; over 41,000 Queenslanders actively log steps via the 10,000 Steps app and almost 5000 people have completed a Deadly Choices 715 Health Check over the past three years

According to the Queensland Chief Health Officer’s 2024 report, preventable risk factors—such as poor nutrition, physical inactivity, smoking, harmful alcohol use, and overweight or obesity—contributed significantly to Queensland’s total health burden.¹
‘The Chief Health Officer Report highlights why prevention is one of the most effective ways we can improve health outcomes and reduce pressure on the health system,’ said Dr Littlewood.
‘Our $43 million reinvestment in prevention is making an impact – it is delivering measurable outcomes across Queensland — from healthier school tuckshops to tens of thousands of health checks and billions of steps taken; it is changing lives.’
Keeping people well and out of hospital is a priority for the Queensland Government. Providing free and low-cost, community-based programs that support healthy habits, wellbeing and chronic disease prevention is a vital part of providing health services when Queenslanders need them.

‘While it’s well known that prevention is often the best medicine, finding the support needed to make healthy change can be difficult,’ said The Honourable Tim Nicholls MP, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services.
‘That is why programs like those offered through Health and Wellbeing Queensland are so beneficial.
‘These simple, evidence-guided programs help Queenslanders develop healthy habits that lead to better personal outcomes and ease pressure on our health system in the long run.’

Living with overweight or obesity has overtaken tobacco smoking as the leading risk factor contributing to disease burden in 2024.²
In 2024, nearly 2 in 3 (62.7%) Queensland adults and 1 in 3 children lived with overweight or obesity³, contributing to 8.3% of disease burden and costing the healthcare system up to $4.6 billion annually⁴

According to the latest Report of the Chief Health Officer Queensland⁵:

Physical inactivity contributed to 2.1% of disease burden and cost Australia’s healthcare system up to $850 million annually
Declining vegetable intake since 2005 contributed to 4.8% of disease burden, costing Australia’s health system $1.18 billion in 2018–19.

From 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2024, Health and Wellbeing Queensland-funded prevention programs collectively supported more than 352,000 Queenslanders to address, enhance and enjoy their health by eating healthy food, moving more and improving their wellbeing — a powerful testament to the reach and value of preventive health initiatives.

Importantly the reach to priority groups has been significant. Of those Queenslanders participating in programs:

12% were First Nations people
25% were from areas of socio-economic disadvantage
45% were from rural, regional and remote areas
27% were males

The prevention program investment complements an additional range of programs developed and delivered by Health and Wellbeing Queensland that support healthy habit formation in families (Podsquad), increasing healthier food and drink options in healthcare and sport settings (A Better Choice), increasing health literacy and consumption of veggies by Queensland kids (Pick of the Crop), and increasing education and professional development opportunities for health professionals (Clinician’s Hub).

‘Prevention and a strong public health system go hand in hand – you cannot have one without the other.
‘When we invest in prevention, as the Queensland Government has done with Health and Wellbeing Queensland, we change futures,’ said Dr Littlewood.
‘Fewer people need treatment, our world-class health system can focus where it’s needed most, and more Queenslanders live healthier, longer lives.
This is an investment for everyone — collaborative, measurable, and already making a real difference across our state.’

Queenslanders are encouraged to connect with these programs by visiting the Health and Wellbeing Queensland webpage or searching for your preferred program online.

Media contact details:
media@hw.qld.gov.au | 0439 599 210