THE Capel community can look forward to more facilities, activities and services after a seven year plan to build the Capel Community Centre and Youth Space was approved by council last month.
Capel Shire executive manager of community services Michelle Plume said the development of the facility would occur in 2017/18 if funding was secured.
She said in 2013 a detailed design of the precinct was undertaken with a landscape architecture company and civil engineer who identified a staged approach.
The aim of the building is to provide a multi-purpose space used for private functions, community group activities and government agencies.
The shire has had discussions with a lawyer, podiatrist and the department of child protection to gain an understanding of what would benefit the community, she said.
“While the youth will be provided with its own space/activity area, the interconnection of the Multi-Purpose Community Centre will provide for all age groups,” Ms Plume said.
“Seniors and youth for example will have access to activities and programs that can be undertaken within the activity spaces and meeting rooms.
“This facility is about providing for a gap which the Capel community has identified and would like to see provided in its community.”
The newly appointed and youngest councillor in WA Sebastian Schiano said the development of a youth space in the Capel town site had the potential to tackle issues faced by young people in the community.
He said isolation and youth boredom were two issues facing the young people in Capel because there were not the facilities and services available to provide residents with the opportunities to grow.
“Young people are incredibly prone to the issue of isolation as they’re too young to have licenses to travel to Bunbury and Busselton to access facilities, recreational centres and many other social activities,” Mr Schiano said.
“On top of this young people are also some of our lowest income earners, meaning that financial barriers have a huge impact of their modes of transport.
“The South West Coachlines bus costs $22 return. That’s more than it costs in fuel to drive to either city and back – twice.”
He said by combating isolation and boredom they could reduce anti-social behaviour, bring the Capel precinct into the present and become a leader in youth development with cities like Bunbury.
The exterior wall could incorporate youth art to provide young people with a sense of ownership to the space, he said.
“Inside the youth space itself consists of a large indoor area, which can be activated for activities and chilling,” Mr Schiano said.
“Along with the open space the workstation provides young people with access to facilities to study, work and a range of many other things.
“The full potential of the space will come when ideas begin to flow through from our community’s youth including the Youth Advisory Council.”
