COTA SA welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Draft South Australian Walking Strategy 2022-2032.

Our submission includes input provided in response to a call out about the draft Strategy fromour staff, the COTA SA Policy Council and our advisory groups.

We commend the focus on walking. Walking has enormous utility and considerable potential as an enabler of ageing well, and is widely accessible and affordable.

The draft walking strategy is fresh and comprehensive. Given the extensive involvement of the Heart Foundation with walking over many years and their knowledge and expertise in the ‘walking movement’, COTA SA particularly respects the partnership approach used by Wellbeing SA to develop the draft.

The draft is an excellent first step in the State Government embracing a proactive role in getting more people to walk more often and for more purposes. We applaud the overarching sentiment of 'all ages and all abilities'.

We offer the following specific feedback.