Prevention programs key to keeping Queenslanders healthy
Health starts with the choices we make every day.
The Queensland Government, through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, has committed more than $43 million to preventive health programs over the next two years—ensuring Queenslanders continue to have free or low-cost community-based and online initiatives that support healthier lifestyles.
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.
This renewed investment will strengthen and sustain six evidence-informed programs proven to help people eat well, move more and improve their wellbeing. These programs include:
- Deadly Choices
- My Health for Life
- Queensland Country Women’s Association Country Kitchens
- 10,000 Steps
- Life Education Queensland
- Healthier Tuckshops Program (Queensland Association of School Tuckshops)
“Our prevention partners remain committed to making it easier for Queenslanders to access practical support and trusted information on healthy eating, physical activity and wellbeing—delivered in ways that meet people where they are, and support those who need it most,” said Dr Robyn Littlewood, Chief Executive of Health and Wellbeing Queensland.
“We are proud of what our partners are achieving, and proud that our continued support is making a real difference. Prevention and a strong public health system go hand in hand—you simply can’t have one without the other.”
Why prevention matters
Because we know that 40% of the health system burden is preventable. Chronic disease contributes to major public health issues of hospital bed shortages and ambulance ramping. Prevention plays a vital role in creating healthy habits that reduce the risk of chronic disease, providing health services when Queenslanders need them.
In 2024, nearly two-thirds of Queensland adults and over one in four children were living with overweight or obesity—a major contributor to 8.3% of the state’s total disease burden and a cost of up to $4.6 billion each year to the healthcare system.
By investing in prevention, we are investing in the long-term health of individuals, families and communities—empowering people to stay well, avoid hospital, and live healthier, happier lives.
‘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 Littlewood.
‘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.’
Importantly, these programs have also delivered targeted support to priority populations including First Nations peoples, individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, those in rural, regional and remote areas, and men, who are often underrepresented in preventive health engagement.
This funding is provided by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland.
