Young people have led the development of a new plan that will increase participation of young people across the beaches in community life.

Following an extensive consultation with more than 1,000 young people contributing over 1,100 comments, a new draft Youth Voice Action Plan 2028 - Shaping the Beaches' Future has been developed that captures and acts upon that feedback.

The draft plan highlights young people’s current experiences of participation across four strategic directions and provides the evidence base and actions for how Council, young people, the youth services sector and the broader community can work to achieve positive change for young people living in the community.

Mayor Michael Regan said listening to young people before responding was a critical part of the engagement and development of the Action Plan.

“Overall young people love growing up on the Northern Beaches and express a deep desire to continue living here as they transition to adulthood.

“The purpose of the Youth Voice Action Plan 2028 - Shaping the Beaches' Future is to outline actions over the next five years for youth development that will support and engage young people to participate in community life and achieving the outcomes outlined in Better Together 2040.

“Young people are active contributors and essential to a thriving and vibrant community. They are our current and future leaders, innovators, creatives, and environmental caretakers. The experience of young people on the Northern Beaches is constantly evolving.

“Our young people reflect their surroundings and broader social and cultural norms, but also give us a glimpse into the future. To allow us to remain a thriving, vibrant and relevant community, we need to listen and act on their advice and ideas,” Mayor Regan said.

By adhering to the Better Together Social Sustainability Strategy 2040 which was adopted in August 2021, Council has now outlined its commitment to identifying the unique challenges we all face over the next 20 years and builds on the many strengths that exist on the Northern Beaches.

The draft Youth Voice Action Plan 2028 - Shaping the Beaches' Future provides a holistic plan to improve youth wellbeing, build social cohesion and increase participation of young people

Summary of findings;

For more information, to provide comments and read the Action Plan please visit the Your Say page where the report and feedback forum will be on display from Thursday 1 December .

https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/youth-voices