Toowoomba Regional Council's (TRC) Environment and Community Committee has recommended that Council endorse a new Youth Strategy.
TRC Regional Youth Advisory Committee Chair and Community Development Chair Cr Geoff McDonald said the Youth Strategy 2019-2021 is a clear statement about Council's bold ambitions for our young people, who are our most precious resource.
"Establishing a Youth Strategy has been a key ambition for the Regional Youth Advisory Committee and I am delighted to see the inaugural strategy released take the next step towards approval," Cr McDonald said.
"The strategy provides a blueprint for supporting young people aged 12 to 24 across the Region.
"With more than 27,000 people aged between 12 and 24 living in our region, it's important that young people are involved in the development of our communities and have opportunities to shape the topics and issues that matter most to them.
"Council developed the strategy with the input of more than 700 young people, service providers, youth support workers, educators, emergency services personnel and Council representatives.
"The strategy is to support young people, particularly the Regional Youth Advisory Committee, in playing a principal role in identifying and coordinating youth initiatives.
"The strategy includes five focus areas for Council to implement in collaboration with partner organisations and the broader community over the next three years.
"These focus areas are about helping young people have a voice and participate in government decision-making; linking them with education providers, industry and community groups to enhance their employment opportunities and connecting them with other young people in the region.
"An important part of the strategy is to activate and strengthen Council's partnerships with young people, their families, service providers, and other community stakeholders.
The recommendation of the Environment and Community Committee to endorse the youth strategy will be considered by Council at the October meeting.
