Youth to have say on council matters

TEENS will be given the chance to engage with the regional council through a new organisation — Charters Towers Youth Council.

The Charters Towers Regional Council voted this month to approve the terms of reference for the establishment of the advisory committee Youth Council.

The Youth Council will involve young people engaging in the consultation and decision-making process of council by giving them a voice through the advisory committee.

The committee will have Year 11 students join for one year when they can develop a better understanding of the role and function of local government, the community and local issues.

Deputy Mayor Sonia Bennetto said she was very pleased with the initiative.

“I think it’s going to open up pathways for communication with our youth and what our youth in our community needs,” she said.

Council CEO Aaron Johansson said meetings with Charters Towers secondary schools would give them the chance to find out more about the program and get involved.

The Youth Council will give them the chance to have direct and regular communication about issues that are important to them with the mayor, deputy mayor and councillors.

The Youth Council will comprise of up to 10 Year 11 students, with two members invited from the Charters Towers School of Distance Education, Charters Towers State High School, All Souls St Gabriels School, Blackheath and Thornburgh College and Columba Catholic College.

The mayor or deputy mayor will approve and appoint nominees, who will then meet five times a year.