New Shire plan aims to ‘empower youth’

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council has recently adopted its latest plan to support young people across the region, with the region’s youth asking for more focus on mental health and wellbeing as boredom and drugs and alcohol exert an undeniable influence. More than 400 residents, most of them aged under 25, were canvassed during extensive consultation before the review was completed by community development trainee Shannon Walker. The most common issues raised during consultation was the lack of local public transport, few training and job options for high school leavers, and a need for more activities, clubs and events catering to youngsters not using the skate park. While the region’s recreation nodes, social connections, natural environment and beaches all got a solid tick from respondents, consultation also revealed worrying concerns about alcohol and drug consumption among young residents. The plan revealed many young people wanted greater support for mental health counselling – despite the presence of headspace – and for reliable, regular drug and alcohol addiction services to be a full-time presence in the shire. “Boredom and a lack of things to do in free time” were seen as a big driver of antisocial behaviour as well as drug and alcohol abuse among younger residents, with “peer pressure and lack of education” significant factors. The new plan, for 2022-27, includes undertakings such as formation of a new youth group to plan regular activities, youth mental health services advocacy which includes fostering links with headspace and volunteer group Mindful Margaret River, more training and workshops such as those recently undertaken through the Shire’s RISE program, and continuing and extending youth outreach services at the Margaret River skate park. Advocacy and some funding for youth events also sought to address the call for more drug and alcohol support as well as helping LGBTQI+ residents. And in 2025, the plan includes a commitment to “advocate and explore where Shire facilities, including toilets, can be more accessible and inclusive”. While youth events would continue, some in association with education providers, also from 2025 the Shire would look to foster more events in other townships within the region amid growing pressure to recognise growth in hamlets including Cowaramup, Augusta and Witchcliffe. 2026 was also the time to consider a dedicated youth precinct in Augusta, the plan said. While public transport was a major focus of submissions, the feasibility of Shire or community-run bus services was low. The youth plan instead committed to increased bicycle networks and advocate for bus connections between Margaret River and other towns.