The Surf Coast Shire Council is calling on the community to have a say on its draft Youth Strategy 2022-2025.
The draft strategy, which has been informed by community consultation, aims to create a community and environment that empowers young people to thrive.
It includes six focus areas: recreation, arts, culture, mental health support, alcohol and other drug support and environment.
Cr Gary Allen said the Surf Coast Shire is home to around 5,200 young people aged 12 to 25, who make up 14 per cent of the local population.
“The issues that young people face now are vastly different to those of the generation before, so the strategy is tailored to the needs of today’s youth,” Cr Allen said.
“It has largely been informed by the results of our Surf Coast Youth Census, completed late last year.
“A total of 1,084 young people from across the shire completed the questionnaire component of the survey, which equates to just over 20 per cent of our youth population. Pleasingly, 97 per cent described living on or near the Surf Coast as good, great or amazing, and 95 per cent said they were excited about the future.”
A number of key themes regarding what matters to young people emerged from the Youth Census, including environmental issues, a need for diverse recreation facilities, and support for social and emotional issues.
Cr Allen said the draft strategy set the direction and long-term structure for the Council’s work with young people.
“It sets out how we will partner with experts, other organisations and groups to ensure our young people can reach their full potential in life.”
