A Framework for Creating Active and Healthy Communities: A Case Study of the Gold Coast

Growing concerns about lifestyle‑related health issues have prompted governments to explore strategies beyond the health sector, including the role of urban planning in shaping environments that support active and healthy living. This paper develops an integrated framework for promoting active and healthy lifestyles at the local level and tests its applicability through a case study of the Gold Coast. By examining how planning, community programs and local governance intersect to influence physical activity and wellbeing, the study demonstrates the potential for councils and decision‑makers to embed health‑supportive design and programming into urban development. The framework offers a transferable model for other local authorities seeking to build healthier, more active communities.