700 million steps: Central Queensland leads the way

Central Queensland is walking the talk in preventive health with 700 million steps and counting logged through the 10,000 Steps Program.

Central Queensland has proven to be a standout in the pursuit of better health, with the region logging nearly 749 million steps in 2024 as part of the 10,000 Steps program. This notable achievement highlights the region’s commitment to improving health outcomes with a preventive approach to health and wellbeing.

Of the 1,002 participants in Central Queensland, each individual logged an average of 757,237 steps through the 10,000 Steps website or mobile app. The 10,000 Steps program, delivered by CQUniversity and supported by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, is free for all Queenslanders and encourages individuals to increase their daily physical activity by setting goals and tracking their movement through steps.

The Queensland Government has announced an investment of over $43 million to support and expand preventive health programs, such as 10,000 Steps. This funding, through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, will support 6 key prevention programs for the next 2 years, as part of the state’s commitment to reducing the burden on the healthcare system.

With 36% of Queensland’s health burden preventable¹, this is Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s response to taking the pressure off the health system.

‘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,’ said Dr Robyn Littlewood, Chief Executive of Health and Wellbeing Queensland.

The power of everyday movement

The 10,000 Steps program has been particularly successful in engaging individuals across Queensland. Over the past three years, the 10,000 Steps app has been downloaded 138,578 times, and 678 new organisations, including workplaces and community groups, have signed up to encourage more physical activity.

Notably, 44,406 Queenslanders have set a daily step goal, with 40% of them hitting the target of 10,000 steps per day.

‘With this latest funding, it means the program will be around for at least a quarter of a century,’ said Prof Corneel Vandelanotte, 10,000 Steps and Physical Activity Research Group Leader, CQUniversity.

‘That is an amazing feat for any health promotion program and wouldn’t be possible without the funding provided by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland.’

The 10,000 Steps program encourages people to make movement a part of their daily routine. Long-time user Alison Moody, who has logged more than 86.7 million steps since 2003, shared her personal experience.

‘I’ve been using 10,000 Steps to track my steps for 22 years now. It’s just part of my day,’ she said. ‘My pedometer’s been with me through it all, and logging my steps has become a long-term habit.’

By encouraging both planned and incidental physical activity, the 10,000 Steps program ensures that health is woven into daily life. 2023 Shine Awards, which celebrate achievements and contributions across rural and regional Australia.

Building a health legacy

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

‘When we invest in prevention, as the Queensland Government has done with Health and Wellbeing Queensland, we change futures. Fewer people need treatment, our world-class health system can focus where it’s needed most, and more Queenslanders live healthier, longer lives,’ said Dr Littlewood.

With the ongoing support, initiatives like this will continue to inspire residents to take charge of their health, one step at a time.

For more information about the 10,000 Steps program and how to get involved, visit www.10000steps.org.au.