Reducing injury

In 2023 the number of road deaths in Yarra Ranges jumped by 50%, to 11 lives lost.
In 2020, Yarra Ranges had the highest number of hospital admissions for serious road injuries of any Victorian local government area. 15-24 year olds had the highest rate of admissions.
In 2020, frail aged residents aged 85 plus were five times more likely to go to hospital for injuries, than the general population. Males had a higher rate of hospital admissions than females.
Falls cause half of all hospital admissions for unintentional injuries. In 2022/23, Yarra Ranges had a slightly below average rate of hospital admissions for falls amongst older adults
Yarra Ranges ranks 12th out of 31 metropolitan local government areas for its number of drowning deaths in the past ten years. The most affected age group was 25–64-year-olds, with private pools, and walking or playing near water being the most common factors.

Encourage active living across all life stages. Being physically active improves fitness and balance, reducing the risk of falls.
Coordinate school crossing supervisors to keep community safe from road trauma.
Maintain roads and paths, to reduce the risk of road traffic accidents and falls and continue to advocate for increased federal funding for local roads.
Continue to run Health Active Aging programs and activities.
Run health promotion activities to reduce risky alcohol consumption (a major cause of road accidents for both pedestrians and vehicle users).
Enforce pool safety regulations regarding pool fencing and educate parents about water safety for young children.

Yarra Ranges Council is committed to becoming a Dementia Friendly Community. This may include increasing the dementia awareness and communication skills of staff; and improving the accessibility of signage and lighting.
Supported by Council, the ‘Over 50’s Festival’ includes events, workshops, and activities to encourage active participation in community.
Council supports several seniors’ groups across the Yarra Ranges, encouraging social connection and active lifestyles.
Council coordinates the school crossing supervisor program, to keep community safe.
Council continues to advocate for grant funding to improve road crossing infrastructure, enhancing accessibility and community safety.

Shaping Yarra Ranges