A youth strategy hopes to provide a clearer picture of what life is like for a young person living in Lake Macquarie.

Lake Macquarie City Council’s 2020-2023 Youth Strategy has outlined a three-year strategic direction to address key issues for development.

The strategy was shaped through a social media campaign, face-to-face workshops, focus groups, and an online survey.

Mayor Kay Fraser said it was important for the council to continue working alongside young people.

“We have more than 30,000 young people who call our city home,” she said.

“We’ve spoken to young people right across our city about what can be improved.

“It has always been important for young people to have a voice; it’s our job to listen to their ideas and involve them to shape the future.

“We are working on improving access to technology, as well as increasing arts and music events, and doing more to address issues of wellbeing.”

Chairperson of the Lake Macquarie Youth Advisory Council, Dylan Shoesmith, was excited to work with the council.

“The Lake Macquarie Youth Advisory Council is proud to have worked with other young people across our city in the development of this strategy,” he said.

“It is crucial that young people are involved in the decisions which directly impact them.

“Young people in Lake Macquarie want to see our city as one which offers access to employment opportunities, the ability to participate in tech and creative mediums and advocacy for the health needs of young people.”

The youth strategy framework identifies seven key themes that were developed through the consultation process.

Some highlights of the plan include working with employment agencies to provide support and training for young people as they finish school; delivering local events that are accessible for young people and meet their needs; working with shopping centres and local business to create youth friendly environments; and creating more opportunities for young people to express creativity via music and gaming.

The strategy will be on exhibition until Monday 22 June.

Visit the council’s website for more information.