A new study has identified Shepparton and surrounding areas within the Nicholls electorate as a childhood asthma cluster, with rates significantly higher than the national average of 6.3 per cent reported in the 2021 census.
Asthma prevalence among children in Shepparton and the Nicholls electorate
| Mooroopna | 9.69 per cent |
| Shepparton surrounds — east | 9.06 |
| Rochester | 9.63 |
| Numurkah | 9.82 |
| Rushworth | 8.23 |
| Cobram | 8.08 |
Specific areas showing elevated rates include Mooroopna at 9.69 per cent, Shepparton surrounds — east at 9.06 per cent, Rochester at 9.63 per cent, Numurkah at 9.82 per cent and Rushworth at 8.23 per cent among children aged up to 14.
In response, Asthma Australia is calling for support of its Healthy Futures for Kids with Asthma program, aimed at reducing hospital admissions and improving health outcomes through better co-ordination between healthcare providers, schools and families.
“Many neighbouring areas in Shepparton and the Nicholls electorate have a higher proportion of children living with asthma compared to the national average, which increases demand and cost on the healthcare system,” Asthma Australia chief executive Kate Miranda said.
The cost of treating and managing asthma has increased by 50 per cent from $799 million to $1.2 billion between 2018-19 and 2022-23.
Nearly 400,000 young Australians were living with the condition in 2022.
“We urge all political parties to recognise the importance of this issue and commit to funding the Healthy Futures for Kids with Asthma program,” Ms Miranda said.
Asthma Australia, established in 1962, represents 2.8 million Australians living with asthma.
The inflammatory airway condition remains the number one health condition affecting Australian children.
