Local young people share hopes and visions for the future

Cairns’ young voices have been heard loud and clear through the 2024 Our Cairns Youth Survey, with the results providing insights on the priorities of locals aged 14 to 24.

This year’s survey reached over 1,000 responses, giving Cairns Regional Council a detailed look into the day-to-day needs, aspirations, and challenges facing young people in our community.

Key insights include a highly valued natural outdoor areas, increased concerns about safety and crime, while the availability of preferred study path is the top reason listed as why young people plan to leave Cairns.

Mayor Amy Eden thanked survey participants and congratulated the Cairns Youth Council, a democratically elected group of young leaders who helped drive the survey’s success.

“Our young people are the future of our city, and their voices are invaluable in shaping a community that meets their needs and aspirations into the future,” Mayor Eden said.

“The 2024 Our Cairns Youth Survey highlights what matters most to them, from preserving our natural spaces to addressing concerns about safety and access to education pathways.

“The Cairns Youth Council has done an incredible job driving this survey and advocating for young people’s priorities.

Their efforts remind us how important it is to empower youth to take an active role in building the Cairns they envision. Council is committed to listening, learning, and incorporating these insights into our planning for the future.”

Beyond the survey, Cairns Youth Council members have been working hard to represent young people’s voices in local government.

Recently, they presented key advocacy priorities to Council, calling for improved public transport access, greater arts and culture visibility, and expanded youth development programs.

The insights gathered from the 2024 Our Cairns Youth Survey will be shared with local agencies and considered as part of Council’s corporate planning.