Decision details

Moved by Councillor Arkins, seconded by Councillor Worling –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         the City of Sydney has one of the youngest resident populations in Australia, with young people forming a significant part of the communities that live, work and study in our local area

(ii)        young people are particularly affected by many decisions made by Council, including decisions about housing, public space, transport, climate change, recreation, culture and nightlife, community facilities and local services

(iii)       the City’s current approach to engaging young people is outlined in the Community Engagement Strategy and Community Participation Plan 2025-2029

(iv)       the City has a strong history of supporting the participation of young people in civic life, including through the Emerging Civic Leaders and Youth Opportunities programs, which seek to include young voices in community decision-making and the City's Youth Week celebrations

(v)        the City currently engages young people:

(a)        through dedicated engagement initiatives for our major strategies such as Sustainable Sydney 2030-2050 Continuing the Vision

(b)        as part of reviews of our services and programs for young people

(c)        in the design of new and upgraded parks, open spaces and facilities

(vi)       there are a significant number of young people who live, work and study in the City of Sydney whose experiences and ideas are essential in shaping Sydney’s future

(vii)      the Chief Executive Officer has committed to reviewing youth services across the City of Sydney and will soon also begin reviewing the City's social strategy, A City For All. Planning is already underway to engage young people as part of both processes

(B)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to investigate ways to engage young people more strategically on matters that affect them, such as through youth panels, roundtables, workshops, surveys, focus groups and in conjunction with youth service providers, to provide independent advice to the City on policies, strategies, programs and projects that affect young people, and report back to Council via the CEO Update.

Carried unanimously.

X113758