From Hilltops Council – Marg Roles

Where would we be without our young people? They are our future and we are very fortunate to have such an engaged and active Hilltops Youth Action Group (HYAG).

HYAG will host The Hilltops Youth Forum to be held on Friday, September 15, 2023. The purpose of the forum is to develop a Youth Strategy for Hilltops.

Such a strategy will help us, as a community, improve outcomes for young people living, working, and learning in Hilltops.

As experts in their own lives, their input is essential as we face the challenges and advantages of growing up in the Hilltops LGA. It will also provide an evidence base for advocacy for resources to meet the needs of our young people.

An example of this is the continued advocacy for a permanent headspace to be established in Hilltops.

The Hilltops Youth Action Group (HYAG) supported by the community, was able to gain this invaluable service for six months only.

Funding has now ended and the service withdrawn even though evidence of the need and use of services provided by headspace was strong.

We must also be aware of the intergenerational legacy that we leave. At its heart is financial sustainability.

This affects our ability to construct, renew and maintain both essential and liveability infrastructure. The costs of adapting to climate change and the transition to a renewable energy base must also be factored into the equation.

As a community, we have a high expectation of maintenance and renewal of public assets and provision of services.

How we fund our needs and wants into the future is central to the discussion we are embarking on as to whether Council lodges a Notice of Intent to apply for a Special Rate Variation.

I encourage everyone to take part in the conversation. By involving the voice of the community, we have the option of working for the best possible outcome for life in our beautiful Hilltops.

Margaret Roles
Mayor

• Topics:

• Local Council