Council
27 February, 2025
Youth strategy proved a contentious item
MOYNE Shire Council has adopted the final draft for the Moyne and Warrnambool Youth Strategy.
The strategy has been in development since May 2024, which included consultation with 660 people located in both Moyne and Warrnambool City Council areas to ensure a comprehensive assessment in identifying the needs of the youth.
The strategy provides a five-year framework to guide council work to support efforts to address areas of priority.
Actions identified through the strategy will be supported through investment from the Victorian Government’s FReeZa and Engage! funding streams, which have provided $120,000 and $180,000 respectively over a three-year period.
The item was moved by councillor Myra Murrihy, and seconded by councillor Lisa Ryan.
Cr Murrihy said she believed the strategy would have a positive impact on the region’s youth.
“I’m really excited about this,” she said.
“Our young people, the studies, the extensive consultation - it’s so needed.
“I’m really excited to finally see this get adopted.
“My favourite part about this is the actions listed in the strategy with timings, how it’s going to be resourced and the responsibility.
“I think that’s really, really amazing and it’s a tangible way we can actually keep this on track.
Cr Ryan said Cr Murrihy’s words “resonated completely” and the strategy would position young people for success.
“I also want to add that our young people are our future,” she said.
“We want to equip them for success, and this strategy most certainly does that through what they told us they want.
“We’re stronger when we’re working together, so it’s wonderful to have a strategy like this in conjunction with Warrnambool City Council if they choose to endorse.”
Councillor Jordan Lockett praised the extent of consultation the strategy had received.
“The amount of consultation is phenomenal,” he said.
“The officers should hold their heads very high.
“There’s a really good action plan and direct outcomes.
“The youth are the future, of today and tomorrow.”
Not all councillors were supportive of the motion, however, with councillor Jim Doukas raising concerns with the funding, the age-range and remuneration for young people joining a proposed youth advisory board.
Cr Doukas sought clarification on 96 per cent of the budget for the strategy receiving funding from the State Government, and if council would have to share the remaining four per cent of funding with Warrnambool.
Moyne Shire Council has already budgeted for the cost, and can seek additional funding through grant opportunities.
Cr Doukas chose to speak against the motion, saying he was confused by the age range of 12-24.
“Some of the submissions mention mental health but you’re talking about 12-24-year olds,” he said.
“I spoke to a lot of people I know, 16-18-year olds, who have a totally different outlook on life than the 20-year-olds I know.
“I won’t say what some of the 20-year-olds say, because they think they’re grown up, and they’re working - all they’re worried about is chasing girls and washing utes.
“I do have an issue with the way the youth strategy goes from age 12 to 24 - something needs to be different.
“Maybe we need two (strategies) - one a young, and one young adult.”
Cr Doukas also raised concern members of the proposed youth advisory board would receive payment, with specifics on how much not outlined prior to the submission.
“As a councillor I’d like to know how much they’re getting paid and what they’re getting paid,” he said.
“At the end of the day, it’s taxpayer’s money.”
The motion was passed 6-1, with Cr Doukas voting against.
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