Have your Say with the Youth Strategy 2023-2028 survey

A new 5-year youth strategy is in the works for 2023-2028 and council is asking community members to take action and share their opinions.

The new five-year strategy will be formed from the results of three specific surveys. One survey aimed towards youth (ages 12-25), one at key stakeholders (Community agencies, case management, mental health, education, legal, housing, outreach, and residential care providers) and one for the general public (parents, carers, guardians, elders, volunteers, coaches and broader community members who interact with youth).

‘The feedback from youth and people who work closely with youth is so important to making a difference in our community,’ General Manager of Communities John McDougall said.

‘Not only do we want to make youth feel safe and have fun in the Central Highlands, but we also want to encourage them to find work, stay in the region and grow their futures here.

‘On top of that, we want to be supportive of service providers that regularly work with youth, and ensure the general public knows we are we are prioritising our region’s youth.’

Surveys are open until 3 March 2023 via the Have Your Say, Central Highlands platform and take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

‘Youth are our future, and your opinion matters,’ Mr McDougall said.

Youth development has been a continual focus for council since the amalgamation of the Bauhinia, Duaringa, Emerald and Peak Downs shires.

Council’s youth development service organises and funds youth-based programs and events that promote social community inclusion across the region throughout the year. The service is also responsible for advocating youth priority areas within council and with other community stakeholders.