Youth Minister Peter Tinley
today presented the City of Albany with a $950,000 Lotterywest grant to help
develop a comprehensive precinct for young people, individuals and families to
engage, connect and participate in a range of activities and events.
The grant will support a pump
track, dirt jumps, skate plaza, skate path, multi-court facility, skate bowl,
parkour and terrace seating. The Albany Mountain Bike Club will use the area as
a base and as a staging point for festivals and youth events.
Building on existing
infrastructure, the new precinct will be readily accessible to young people,
particularly those at risk.
The Department of Local
Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Department of Health -Primary Care
and Mental Health Division, the Albany Mountain Bike Club and the City of
Albany have also contributed to the $1.96 million project.
The City of Albany carried out
an extensive community consultation process that identified a youth precinct as
a key priority. The City’s Youth Friendly Albany Strategy, Centennial Park
Master Plan and Strategic Plan also identifies the precinct as a priority
project.
As stated by Youth
Minister Peter Tinley:
“The State Government welcomes
the City of Albany’s plan to create a friendly, welcoming space for young
people that recognises and values their contribution to the community.
“Almost 20 per cent of Albany’s
residents are young people aged 10-25 – so an investment in youth spaces that
encourage engagement and inclusion is important on many levels.
“The precinct will help improve
physical fitness, health and mental health and encourage further engagement between
young people and families which will lead to greater intergenerational
connection and better social outcomes.
“The number of young people
living in WA is expected to rise by 44 per cent by 2030 and there will be a
corresponding rise in their needs for services and support.
“The State Government is in the
process of developing a youth strategy to bring a coherent approach to our
youth sector and provide better outcomes for young people, aged 10-25.”
