The Bellarine Peninsula’s transport issues were one of the focuses of the 2024 Geelong Youth Council’s final report this month.
Junior Mayor Hteemoo Yohellaymusaw presented the report, which concentrated on transport and economic empowerment of young people, to Geelong council at its December 10 meeting.
The Junior Mayor said transport was a “significant issue” for young people in the Greater Geelong region.
“At our June meeting, we heard from the Strategic Transport Planning lead about the draft integrated transport strategy,” Junior Mayor Hteemoo said.
“Following this, we discussed the transport challenges young people face. During our Councillor Connect sessions we highlighted areas where young people struggle with transport, particularly on the Bellarine.
“We also emphasised the need for council to advocate to Public Transport Victoria for better public transport and to improve infrastructure to support active transport as an alternative.”
The Junior Council requested the council continue to advocate strongly to the state government for improvements in public transport service, prioritising bus punctuality and routes in the Bellarine and other parts of the region lacking adequate connections.
Councillor Elise Wilkinson applauded the Youth Councillors on the report and its recommendations, thanking them for their work throughout the year.
“As a resident of the Bellarine with teenage children, I hear you loud and clear on the active transport issue,” Cr Wilkinson said.
“Having just campaigned, both of those issues around job security for young people and active transport are really, really vitally important. So you again are right on the money in terms of what is really important.
“I echo that idea of remaining as stakeholders within that integrative transport strategy. I think that’s really important. “
Cr Eddy Kontelj said he was “really pleased” the Youth Council had identified public transport as an issue for young people.
“If we can rally together… and identify, which maybe you already have, the suburbs that don’t have links, and if we can write to our state MPs to advocate for that addition to our city, I think we’ll go a long way,” Cr Kontelj said.
The report also contained advice for improving training and employment opportunities for young people, including council-run free employment training and education programs.
