BLAIR has been named Queensland’s unhealthiest federal electorate, with new data laying bare alarming levels of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes risk.
Residents are also more likely to smoke or vape than anywhere else in the state – a grim picture of a community battling serious health challenges.
The Wesfarmers Health: Australia’s Health Index 2025 shows two in five Blair residents – 40 per cent – are living with obesity, well above the national average of 27 per cent.
Almost one in three has high blood pressure, and more than 41 per cent are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
One in five residents smokes daily, and 11 per cent use vapes, both well above the national averages.
Acting West Moreton Health Chief Executive Therese Hayes said the statistics reflected deep, long-term issues that cannot be solved overnight.
“The West Moreton region faces many health challenges, compounded by socio-economic disadvantage and higher-than-average rates of chronic disease,” she said. “Reducing chronic disease is a complex community issue.
We work closely with GPs, healthcare providers and government to improve well-being across the region.”
Ms Hayes said West Moreton Health’s targeted services were helping turn the tide – including the Murrumba Targan Djimbulung program for First Nations adults with chronic health conditions, and its Preventative Integrated Care Service, which has saved more than 11,000 bed days and prevented thousands of emergency presentations and admissions since 2022.
The Index gives Blair a score of just 58 – well behind the national average of 107.
But there is a glimmer of progress: last year, Blair was the unhealthiest electorate in the entire nation, with a score of 46. That 26-point jump shows that small, steady changes can make a difference.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the figures were confronting and said the Federal Government was investing heavily to turn them around.
“This is a collective responsibility,” he said.
“We’re working with the Queensland Government and local health organisations to reduce chronic disease and improve access to care.”
He pointed to the Albanese Government’s record $8.5 billion boost to Medicare and two new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Ipswich and Goodna. The Ipswich clinic has already seen more than 20,000 visits since opening in August 2023, easing pressure on the hospital emergency department.
Mr Neumann said Australia’s world-leading vaping laws were beginning to make an impact, with fewer young people taking up the habit.
“The focus is protecting young people while ensuring legitimate access for smoking cessation,” he said. “Keeping vapes behind the pharmacy counter ensures oversight from health professionals.”
The Federal Government is also targeting nutrition through its Healthy Food Partnership Reformulation Program, working with food producers to cut sugar, salt and saturated fat in products.
Health experts say the findings should be a wake-up call for the region.
“While the statistics are worrying, they show that progress is possible,” a Wesfarmers Health spokesperson said.
