Youth Minister Peter Tinley today presented the City of Albany with a $950,000 Lotterywest grant to help develop a comprehensive precinct for young people, individuals and families to engage, connect and participate in a range of activities and events.
The grant will support a pump track, dirt jumps, skate plaza, skate path, multi-court facility, skate bowl, parkour and terrace seating. The Albany Mountain Bike Club will use the area as a base and as a staging point for festivals and youth events.
Building on existing infrastructure, the new precinct will be readily accessible to young people, particularly those at risk.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Department of Health -Primary Care and Mental Health Division, the Albany Mountain Bike Club and the City of Albany have also contributed to the $1.96 million project.
The City of Albany carried out an extensive community consultation process that identified a youth precinct as a key priority. The City's Youth Friendly Albany Strategy, Centennial Park Master Plan and Strategic Plan also identifies the precinct as a priority project.
As stated by Youth Minister Peter Tinley:
"The State Government welcomes the City of Albany's plan to create a friendly, welcoming space for young people that recognises and values their contribution to the community.
"Almost 20 per cent of Albany's residents are young people aged 10-25 - so an investment in youth spaces that encourage engagement and inclusion is important on many levels.
"The precinct will help improve physical fitness, health and mental health and encourage further engagement between young people and families which will lead to greater intergenerational connection and better social outcomes.
"The number of young people living in WA is expected to rise by 44 per cent by 2030 and there will be a corresponding rise in their needs for services and support.
"The State Government is in the process of developing a youth strategy to bring a coherent approach to our youth sector and provide better outcomes for young people, aged 10-25."
