Bass Coast Shire fails on youth services scorecard
Missed deadlines and underperforming contracts for youth services for Bass Coast Shire has raised the question of whether council is trying to outsource its youth service responsibilities.
A DECLINE in youth service outcomes for Bass Coast Shire over the past year has raised the question of whether council is trying to outsource its youth service responsibilities.
Commenting on the 2025/2026 Annual Report released last month Cr Tracey Bell questioned missed deadlines and underperforming contracts for youth services.
Under the council's baseline governance framework, a minimum of 85% of all strategic contract Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) must be met or exceeded annually but during last month’s council debate over the release of the annual report youth services contracts were singled out for failing to meet community expectations.
Regional disengagement measuring residents aged 15 to 24 who are neither employed nor studying has hit 9.5% across Bass Coast significantly outpacing the state average and raising questions about educational access, employment pathways, transport, affordability and opportunities for young people to remain connected locally.
With youth indicators flashing red, council now faces mounting pressure to realign its contracted services and deliver on its promises. Initiatives such as the L2P Learner Driver Program which remains fully active across the region, and delivery of the Sunset Strip Bike Jump Park during the 2025/2026 financial year bolstered active recreational spaces for teenagers but are not by themselves evidence of improved youth services.
Anglicare has been identified as the organisation managing the Youth Advisory Council for individuals aged 12 to 25, and the contracted organisation responsible for overseeing leadership workshops and local family support.
Failing KPI’s have raised the question of whether council has retained sufficient control and accountability for the delivery of essential youth services.
The 2026/27 budget for building vibrant communities allows for an overall expenditure of $2.654 million against an expected income of $1.143 million which leaves a projected deficit of $1,511 million.
Of all the budget areas community wellbeing faces the largest overall deficit of $4.618 million, with $4.726 million already allocated to life-stage programs, library services, youth initiatives and immunisations, while generating just $108,000 in income.
