Council is urging Redlands Coast residents aged 18 to 30 years who want a greater say in the city’s future to apply to join the inaugural 2020 Redlands Coast Youth Reference Group.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council was keen to connect with the youth of Redlands Coast to hear their opinions about local services, events, strategies and plans.

“Young people are the future of our city and it is important their voices are heard,” she said.

“Being part of the Redlands Coast Youth Reference Group will allow the volunteer members to have a strong voice in the city’s future while building leadership skills.”

Cr Williams said a number of Council initiatives were focussed on the city’s young people; and the reference group would have a major role in their planning.

“The group will be able to have a say on exciting initiatives such as our Redlands Youth Strategy, Redlands Coast Youth Action Plan, local Youth Day Out and Careers Expo,” she said.

“Input from Redlands Coast’s youth will be invaluable to ensure these strategies and events hit the mark and empower our younger people to help build a stronger future.”

The reference group comes from a Notice of Motion from Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty, who said Council also wanted to hear from Redlands Coast’s youth on topics such as city development and liveability, the environment, jobs, technology and transport.

“There are no minimum requirements needed to be part of the group and I urge the city’s younger residents to consider joining and have a say about our community’s future,” she said.

“Establishing such a group will ensure the youth of our city will be heard now and into the future.”

Applications for the 2020 Redlands Coast Youth Reference Group are open until Wednesday, 4 March 2020.

For further information and to access an application form, visit Council’s Redlands Coast Youth Reference Group webpage or email youth@redland.qld.gov.au.