Young people are helping shape the future of youth services and support across the Surf Coast Shire.
Council’s 2025 Youth Survey was completed by 1047 young people aged 10 to 25, with results showing that 94 per cent rated life in the region as good, great or amazing.
Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said the survey provided valuable insights that would help guide council’s Integrated Wellbeing Plan and subsequent Youth Action Plan.
“Young people have spoken honestly about their challenges, and that insight is incredibly valuable,” she said.
“They are telling us affordability and opportunity will shape whether they can build their future here.
“We want the Surf Coast to be a place where young people can live, work, study and thrive – not a place they feel they have to leave.
“We’re committed to working with young people to create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces where they feel supported and heard.”
Results from the survey found that 95 per cent of young people felt positive about their future, and 77 per cent said they felt connected to their community.
The survey also found that many young people were uncertain about staying in the region long-term, with 37 per cent of respondents aged 14 to 25 identifying that they didn’t think they would still live, work, or study locally in 10 years.
Mayor Stapleton said young people were clear about what they need, with the survey providing council with a strong roadmap to support them.
Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/youth for the full youth survey results.
