Coast youth not getting a fair go

ROCKHAMPTON Regional Council councillor Cr Bill Ludwig said he agreed with Michael from Skate and Scoot that the Capricorn Coast youth was not getting a fair go and the Regional Council needed to put more funding into facilities, like the Coast skate parks.

"Livingstone Shire Council LSC built the original skate parks in both Yeppoon and Emu Park more than 10 years ago, and they have proven to be some of the best used facilities for our youth here on the Coast ," Cr Ludwig said.

"Despite this and continued requests from our youth for upgrades and additions to the parks, over the past four years the Regional Council has cut the required funding from just about every budget.

Last year, hopes were raised when design work was done and the council allocated $15,000, subject to an additional $30,000 in State funding, however the State Government funding did not eventuate.

"Fortunately I was able to have the council's commitment increased to $20,000 in the revised 2011 budget, which along with a commitment from local businesses to contribute in-kind support, means the Yeppoon Skatepark will still be upgraded.

"The reality is, with the forecast population growth here on the Coast, running well above the State average, much more must be done for our young people," he said.