Council deal a 'bonanza' for Coke: Heart CEO

The Heart Foundation WA has raised concern over Bunbury City Council's deal to supply two community facilities with drink products from Coca Cola Amatil.

Foundation chief executive officer Maurice Swanson said Coca Cola had scored a "bonanza" by securing a three-year deal to supply its products to the South West Sports Centre and the Bunbury Wildlife Park.

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As reported in last week's South Western Times, the council and Coca Cola agreed to a deal worth $290,000 for the supply of branded beverages including soft drinks, energy drinks, water and coffee.

Mr Swanson said many of the products were loaded with sugar.

He also noted the South West had a high risk profile for diseases including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The region also has one of the worst rates of obesity in WA.

Mr Swanson praised the council for improving walking paths and encouraging more walking in the CBD but said the deal went against these decisions.

"Our preference is that a recreation and sports centre that is designed to help the community become more physically active should align itself with the zero-sugar or water products if they want to be consistent with the mission of the centre itself," he said.

"I think it makes it that more difficult for the community to be more healthy than it already is."

Mr Swanson said he did not accept parents and children were able to make healthy choices because they are "bombarded" with advertisements from drinks companies.

"Many of the products Coca Cola Amatil provides have no nutritional value whatsoever," he said.

"From Coca Cola's point of view it is a bonanza because they are associating unhealthy products, with the exception of their water products, with a community health facility."

But Mayor Gary Brennan said the sports centre and wildlife park promoted healthy activities.

"If people want to purchase those products then it is there to be purchased," Mr Brennan said.

"I don't believe it is the role of our staff to limit what's on offer to influence people's habits.

"That would require a much broader approach than what a single local government could do."