Low density development: Impacts on physical activity and associated outcomes

This report, Low density development: Impacts on physical activity and associated health outcomes, examines low density developments and their impacts on physical activity and associated health outcomes. To design neighbourhoods that support people in being able to walk or cycle to public transport, work or school we need to get the level of density right. Density that is too low can have an impact on physical activity levels and unfortunately in many Australia cities we continue to build low density neighbourhoods. Evidence suggests that adults living in low density neighbourhoods are less likely to walk and to use public transport, will spend more time driving, and along with adolescents are more likely to be overweight or obese. If we continue to build our neighbourhoods at low density then we will make it difficult for residents to be physically active and the risk factors to heart disease will continue to have a negative impact on health and wellbeing.