Agenda - Byron Shire Council - NSW Government

BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL
ORDINARY MEETING 9 MAY 2013 (85)
Report
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Youth Council met on 6 February, 6 March and 3 April 2013 and the minutes are attached for
Council’s consideration. In addition, Youth Council met on 16 February for a full day of strategic
planning.
During the February to April period Youth Council members participated in the selection panel for
the Youth Activities Grant Round, developed and delivered an extensive Youth Week Program,
discussed Youth Transport, further developed Youth Employment Projects and made suggestions
to improve Council’s youth related web pages amongst other things.
Youth Week 2013
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The Youth Week program developed by Council staff with Youth Council and local Youth services
included:
Youth Council/Council events:
Self Harm Training – 53 enrolled in training
Youth Film Competition – 23 entries
Youth Arts Exhibition – 56 entries
Council funded events:
Byron Youth House – Youth Homelessness Matters Day
BYS – Youth Forum
BYS – Skate Competition
BYS – Youth Event
Youth Council Transport Priorities
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In Youth Council’s discussion and formation of transport priorities, it was acknowledged that
transport issues are linked to many other issues for young people and especially impacts on
employment. Youth Council also noted that improved transport options would increase tourism
and potentially improve the local economy and provide more employment options for young
people.
Trains
Trains on tracks was the first transport priority of the Byron Shire Youth Council as a form of
transport that could link villages, and link Byron Shire to other major centres such as Sydney,
Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Lismore. The reinstatement of the train service was prioritised over
increased bus services as trains are seen as safer and more reliable than buses. Youth Council
suggested the railway could be reopened in stages rather than all at once.
Bike paths
The development of bike paths as transport corridors that are safe and provide a viable transport
option was listed as another Youth Council transport priority. Bike paths could be developed
adjacent to railway lines making use of the existing rail corridors. Bike paths need to link towns
and villages in the Byron Shire as many young people ride bicycles to work and school, often in
unsafe conditions.
Buses
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Youth Council listed increased frequency of buses, extended services and at realistic prices for
young people to travel around the Byron Shire and to neighbouring shires, Tweed, Lismore and
Ordinary Meeting Agenda 09/05/13