The campaign for a new youth precinct has begun, with the City of Bunbury calling on community members to pitch interesting and unique ideas.
The city has asked for residents to decide upon a suitable location for the precinct.
Once a location has been selected, the city will then call for people to provide ideas for what should be included in it.
A decision will be made based on the accessibility and safety of the location, along with the location’s potential for event space.
The precinct plan was music to the ears of Bunbury Youth Mayor Sean Smith, saying it would provide more resources for young citizens.
“We want to get this project right and the only way we can do this is by listening to feedback from the people who will be frequenting the area,” he said.
“This project is a massive step forward in providing Bunbury’s young people with a space they can have ownership over and enjoy.”
City officers will be engaging in one-on-one sessions and holding pop-up consultations in different areas.
I believe the response to the campaign has been pretty sensational so far, there have been more than 2000 hits on Facebook, and a lot of people sharing the invitation as well.
- City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan
Mayor Gary Brennan said he was thrilled with the already impressive response from young people across Bunbury.
“It’s something that has been talked about for a while now and I have had discussions with Youth Mayor Sean Smith about it,” he said.
“It was about three years ago that Sean first raised the idea of a youth precinct within the CBD, designed for young people.
“The idea came about to create a youth precinct which could include a skate park, half-court basketball space etc.
“The current skate park in the CBD is probably now dated, and the discussion is now centred around creating a place for young people to socialise in.”
Community members have been asked to submit their ideas for a location, and provide feedback, through consultation tool Social Pinpoint.
Mr Brennan said the city was pleased with the level of engagement via social media.
“I believe the response to the campaign has been pretty sensational so far, there have been more than 2000 hits on Facebook, and a lot of people sharing the invitation as well,” he said.
“It’s out there, and young people can now voice where they would like to see the precinct.”
The Mayor said the city would examine each submission before putting an executive recommendation through to council for a decision.
“No doubt there will be a requirement to build a business case around what it sort of investment may be needed,” he said.
“That would then need to be a budget consideration.
“It should be ready for consideration by council in the 2019/2020 annual budget.”
Head to bunbury.mysocialpinpoint.com.au/youth-precinct-siteselection#/ to submit a response.
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