Council zeroes in on youth engagement with $5m investment

Townsville City Council’s 2021/2022 Budget includes $5 million for infrastructure and services dedicated for youth engagement.

This will include new and upgraded skateparks, playgrounds, sports fields, courts and parks as well as maintenance.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the 2021/2022 Budget was continuing to focus on investing in ways that would support youth as the city grows.

“This Budget is about delivering on capital and operational commitments that will support Townsville’s growth as a globally-connected city driven by innovation and a lifestyle second to none,” Cr Hill said.

“We understand this is what the city needs and that is why we’re investing $5 million in infrastructure and services that will keep our youth engaged and physically and mentally active.”

Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said investing in the city’s youth was crucial for supporting better outcomes for the city.

“For our city to continue growing, we need to be investing in our youth and in services and infrastructure that will support them,” Cr Greaney said.

“We want them to be positively engaged in Townsville and ultimately to stay here instead of going south.

“It is so important that we foster and support our youth by providing spaces that will keep them engaged physically and mentally.”