2026 to 27 Federal Pre-Budget Submission
National outdoor wellbeing study: sunlight, nature exposure and public participation
Submitted by: NaturismRE Pty Ltd
Submitted by: Vincent Marty, Founder
Sydney, Australia
www.NaturismRE.com
Introduction
NaturismRE proposes the establishment of a national Outdoor Wellbeing Study to investigate the relationship between nature exposure, sunlight, outdoor participation and mental health across Australia. Research consistently shows that outdoor environments provide measurable benefits for emotional balance, stress reduction and overall wellbeing. However, there is no national dataset identifying how Australians use outdoor spaces for wellbeing, what barriers prevent participation or how public space design influences comfort and health outcomes.
The purpose of this study is to provide a unified evidence base to support preventive health planning, public space design, mental health initiatives and community wellbeing strategies at a national level.
This combined submission includes the study framework, research design and supporting evidence brief.
National context and challenge
Mental health conditions are a significant and growing concern across Australia. Stress, isolation and reduced outdoor participation affect individuals in all age groups. Public parks and natural environments are widely recognised as valuable for mental health, yet many people do not use these spaces regularly due to discomfort, lack of appropriate areas or uncertainty about safe and respectful use.
Australia currently lacks coordinated research assessing:
how people engage with nature for wellbeing
how sunlight exposure influences emotional regulation
what design features encourage or discourage outdoor participation
how demographic and cultural factors shape outdoor behaviour
which barriers reduce comfort, confidence or access
Without this information, governments cannot effectively plan preventive health programs, public space improvements or behavioural wellbeing initiatives.
A national Outdoor Wellbeing Study would address this evidence gap.
Proposal
NaturismRE proposes a twelve month national research study that examines the benefits of nature exposure and outdoor participation on mental health, stress recovery, confidence and community engagement. The study would involve online surveys, qualitative data collection, demographic analysis and collaboration with universities and community organisations.
Key objectives include:
measuring wellbeing outcomes associated with sunlight and nature exposure
identifying barriers that limit outdoor activity
assessing the influence of public park design on comfort and participation
understanding demographic trends in outdoor engagement
informing public health strategies and national wellbeing goals
The study does not promote any lifestyle or belief system. Its purpose is to evaluate outdoor wellbeing behaviour and its role in preventive health.
Why Commonwealth involvement is necessary
A national study requires coordinated design, nationwide sampling and consistency across states and territories. Commonwealth involvement ensures alignment with:
the National Preventive Health Strategy
the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan
community resilience and wellbeing frameworks
national park and urban planning initiatives
tourism and regional development strategies
Federal leadership allows the study to produce nationally comparable data relevant to public policy, community health services and state planning.
Methodology
The study will be carried out in three phases.
Phase one. Research partnership formation, ethics approval, sampling framework, demographic segmentation and development of survey tools.
Phase two. Nationwide data collection using:
outdoor wellbeing surveys
sunlight exposure reporting
park-use behaviour tracking
comfort, confidence and environmental perception scales
Phase three. Data analysis, creation of a national Outdoor Wellbeing Index and publication of findings in a public report with recommendations.
Expected benefits
Health benefits
enhanced mental health insights for preventive health planning
improved understanding of how sunlight and nature influence emotional wellbeing
support for national mental health and resilience programs
clarification of environmental features that improve circadian and stress recovery
Social benefits
improved accessibility and usability of public parks
greater community engagement with outdoor environments
reduced stigma and comfort barriers in public spaces
strengthened community cohesion through shared wellbeing activities
Economic benefits
low-cost national research with high return value
reduced long-term healthcare demand through preventive wellbeing
increased tourism and park-based visitation
better allocation of public funds for park upgrades and community spaces
Alignment with national priorities
This study supports ongoing national strategies in:
mental health
preventive health
youth resilience
public space activation
environmental planning
tourism development
community wellbeing
It provides the evidence base needed to optimise public policy and improve the mental and emotional health of Australians.
Attachment 1
Outdoor wellbeing study framework and research design
Purpose
The Outdoor Wellbeing Study aims to measure the mental health benefits of sunlight exposure, nature immersion and outdoor participation across Australia. It provides a research framework for understanding how public spaces support wellbeing and how design elements influence comfort and usage.
Study objectives
measure wellbeing outcomes linked to nature exposure
identify barriers limiting participants from enjoying outdoor spaces
assess environmental design factors affecting comfort and confidence
provide actionable insights for public planning and preventive health
support national mental health policy and community resilience
Methodology overview
National sampling via online surveys and community networks
Demographic segmentation including age, region and cultural background
Use of standardised wellbeing and environmental perception tools
Twelve month data collection period
Partnerships with universities and community organisations
Expected insights
patterns of outdoor participation
impact of sunlight and natural settings on wellbeing
barriers such as stigma, discomfort or lack of clarity in public spaces
site design factors affecting participation
guidance for national and state wellbeing initiatives
Attachment 2
Evidence brief on sunlight, nature exposure and mental health
Sunlight exposure
supports Vitamin D synthesis
improves mood and emotional regulation
reduces stress and fatigue
helps stabilise circadian rhythms
Nature exposure
reduces cortisol
improves emotional clarity
strengthens resilience
supports calmness and recovery
Outdoor settings as wellbeing environments
parks offer quiet, restorative environments
public spaces can reduce feelings of isolation
structured outdoor time promotes healthier stress management
Relevance to national planning
Outdoor wellbeing participation reduces long-term healthcare burden and supports population-wide mental resilience.
Attachment 3
Barriers to outdoor participation: environmental and social analysis
Psychological barriers
self-consciousness and fear of judgment
uncertainty about acceptable behaviour
stress-related withdrawal
lack of confidence in public settings
Environmental barriers
insufficient shade or rest areas
limited privacy or natural screening
unclear pathways
overcrowding in popular areas
Opportunities for improvement
designated quiet zones
vegetation buffers for comfort
improved pathway layout
clear signage and user guidance
community engagement in outdoor design
Policy relevance
Understanding barriers enables governments to design accessible, inclusive outdoor wellbeing environments that increase participation and support preventive health.
Conclusion
The national Outdoor Wellbeing Study provides a low-cost, high-value opportunity to generate evidence for preventive health planning, mental health strategy, public park design and community participation. The study offers significant benefits to all Australians and aligns with national wellbeing goals.
NaturismRE is ready to collaborate with Commonwealth agencies, researchers and community partners.
Contact
Vincent Marty
Founder, NaturismRE Pty Ltd
Sydney, Australia
[email protected]
+61 494 164 815