Bridging Health and Transport: NSW’s Active Transport Health Model Sets a New Benchmark
July 2025
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In a landmark collaboration between the health and transport sectors, the Australian Institute of Traffic Planning and Management (AITPM) recently hosted a compelling webinar unveiling the NSW Active Transport Health Model—a pioneering tool designed to quantify the health benefits of walking and cycling. Developed by the NSW Ministry of Health in partnership with Griffith University, UNSW, and the George Institute, the model is set to transform how governments assess and invest in active transport infrastructure.
A Cross-Sector Vision for Healthier Communities
Hosted by AITPM CEO Kirstie Kelly, the webinar brought together professionals from across Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the growing interest in integrating health outcomes into transport planning. Co-presented with Cycling and Walking Australia and New Zealand (CWANZ), the event reinforced a shared commitment to sustainable, people-focused mobility.
Presenters Peta Lucas and Fiona Halar from the NSW Ministry of Health’s Centre for Population Health introduced the model, which aims to address a long-standing gap in economic appraisals: the undervaluation of health benefits from active transport.
“We wanted a consistent, evidence-based method to quantify the health impacts of walking and cycling,” said Peta. “This model allows us to do just that—across government portfolios.”
He shared examples of modern cities like Rochester, New York, which has successfully removed sections of its freeway system to build vibrant, walkable communities. These transformations demonstrate that change is possible, even in car-dependent cultures.
The Model: Science-Backed and Policy-Ready
The NSW Active Transport Health Model is the result of years of research and interagency collaboration. It incorporates data from Transport for NSW, NSW Treasury, and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, and is underpinned by peer-reviewed studies on physical activity, mental health, air pollution, and road trauma.
Key features include:
- Reference Outcome Values: Dollar-per-kilometre estimates for walking, cycling (on and off-road), and walking to public transport.
- Health Adjusted Life Years (HALYs): A core metric used to calculate the value of health gains.
- Sensitivity Analysis: Demonstrates that the greatest health benefits accrue to older adults and those previously inactive.
The model has been officially endorsed by NSW Treasury and is now included in its Outcome Values Database, making it accessible for use in strategic business cases, cost-benefit analyses, and grant applications.
Real-World Application: A Case Study in Cycling Infrastructure
Fiona Hayla presented a hypothetical case study involving a short separated cycleway. Using the model, the project demonstrated a present value of over $34 million in health benefits, primarily from mode shifts away from car travel and increased physical activity among previously sedentary individuals.
“Even small increases in physical activity—like walking to a bus stop—can yield significant health benefits,”
The model also accounts for nuances such as e-bike usage (adjusted to 70% of traditional cycling benefits) and demographic differences in walking to public transport.
Beyond Health: A Tool for Broader Policy Integration
While the model focuses on health, its implications extend far beyond. It supports:
- Transport-Oriented Development: Encouraging walkable, connected communities.
- Net Zero Goals: Aligning with NSW’s carbon reduction strategies.
- Local Government Planning: Informing precinct plans and grant applications.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Bridging health, transport, planning, and treasury departments.
The presenters emphasised the importance of feedback and case studies from users to refine and expand the model’s capabilities, including potential applications in regional and remote areas.
Looking Ahead: A National Opportunity
The webinar concluded with a call to action for transport professionals across Australia to explore and apply the model in their own jurisdictions. With growing interest in decarbonisation, liveability, and public health, the NSW Active Transport Health Model offers a timely, evidence-based framework for smarter infrastructure investment.
“This is more than a model—it’s a catalyst for change,” said Kirsty. “We look forward to seeing how it’s used across the country.”