Brisbane City Council is preparing to invest $5.6 million in health and wellness activities, with the funding set to be included in its 2026/27 budget on Wednesday.
The money will support Move Well Brisbane, a new program that expands the council’s existing Active and Healthy initiative. The aim is to give residents more free and low-cost ways to stay active, learn healthier cooking habits and manage everyday wellbeing without adding pressure to household budgets.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has described the package as the biggest boost to active and healthy programs Brisbane has seen, placing community wellness and cost-of-living relief at the centre of the council’s budget message.
Move Well Brisbane to Deliver 20,000 Activities
The council plans to expand the number of participating businesses and providers to around 400, giving local fitness operators, health educators and community organisations a larger role in delivering services across the city.
The number of sessions is expected to more than double to about 20,000 activities over the next two years.
Residents will continue to have access to activities such as yoga, Pilates, walking programs and outdoor fitness sessions. The larger network could make it easier for people to find suitable programs closer to home, especially in suburbs where demand for affordable health activities is high.
For many households, free and low-cost classes may offer a practical alternative to paid gym memberships or private wellness programs.
Nutrition and Cooking Classes Add Practical Value
A key difference in the new program is its broader focus on everyday health, not just exercise.
Nutrition Australia Queensland will partner with the council to deliver nutrition and healthy cooking classes. These sessions are expected to focus on affordable meal preparation, simple cooking skills and healthier food choices that residents can use at home.
That matters because household food costs remain a major concern for many families. Cooking education can help residents plan meals, reduce waste and prepare healthier options without relying heavily on expensive ready-made food.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, regular physical activity and healthy eating are important factors in reducing long-term health risks and improving overall wellbeing.
Why the Timing Matters
The announcement comes as Brisbane City Council prepares to release its full 2026/27 budget. Cost-of-living relief is expected to be a major theme, with the council also pledging to maintain the lowest council rates in South East Queensland.
While local governments cannot control all household expenses, they can influence everyday costs through community services, public facilities and accessible programs. In this case, the council is using health funding as both a wellbeing measure and a practical affordability tool.
The focus on household pressure also reflects a wider national conversation about public spending and support measures. Recent Australia Budget 2026 cost-of-living measures show how affordability remains one of the biggest policy issues for workers, families and local communities.
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
The expanded provider network could benefit local businesses by opening new opportunities for fitness instructors, wellness professionals, nutrition educators and community groups.
However, delivery will matter. To have the strongest impact, activities will need to be spread fairly across Brisbane, remain easy to book and reach residents who may not already take part in council programs.
There is also a practical challenge in maintaining quality as the number of sessions grows. A larger program can improve access, but it also requires clear scheduling, reliable providers and strong communication with residents.
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What Residents Can Expect Next
More details about locations, providers and activity schedules are expected when the council formally releases its 2026/27 budget on Wednesday.
If delivered well, Move Well Brisbane could become more than a fitness expansion. The $5.6 million program brings together exercise, nutrition education, local business participation and affordability support at a time when many residents are looking for healthier, cheaper ways to live.
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