COUNCIL TO DECIDE ON SPEAK OUT PROPOSALS

COUNCIL will deliver its verdict to the local youth group Speak Out tonight after considering a range of proposals they presented in February.

At last week's meeting the recommendation was carried to implement positive initiatives including the installation of shade sails over the skate park. Speak Out is a group of 30 young people who, under the guidance of Val Rowe and Mark Taylor; undertook a survey of around 200 people to come up with ideas to address boredom and youth engagement.

Tonight they will discover what council had agreed to implement. "The kids are so excited that they have come back so quickly, they thought it might take forever," Mrs Rowe said.

"It is just so positive for the kids that they see council is listening to them. "This meeting tonight will allow them to get answers. At the end of the day we need to work together for our youth and this is a step in the right direction."

Mayor Dino Zappacosta called the Speak Out a "superb idea".

Story by: The Area News, May 16 2007.