Better public transport call from youth council

THE South Gippsland and Bass Coast local government areas are both blackholes when it comes to public transport and one of the groups in the community which suffers most is the region’s youth.

And at last week’s South Gippsland Youth Council, the shortfalls in public transport was one of the key issues discussed in a wide-ranging discussion with the South Gippsland Shire Council, focusing on the development of a new youth strategy.

Speaking about the meeting with the youth council, Cr Brad Snell said improving public transport, not just to Melbourne but across the region, was seen as vital by the youth council, for access to jobs, friends, activities and connecting to other transport options.

“Due to the economic strain on families, getting access to jobs for young people isn’t just an option it’s a necessity in many cases,” said Cr Snell.

He said he was impressed with the local youth council’s initiative in sending a team to State Parliament for its mock debate recently as a chance to exchange ideas with others from across Victoria.

“We had a good discussion which will help inform the development of a new youth strategy for the shire,” he said.

The development of a youth strategy for South Gippsland is long overdue with a draft policy expected to be released for input early in the New Year.