Tweed youth need voice in council
TWEED Labor candidates contesting the September council election are calling for more participation of young people in the council.
In a prepared statement, candidate Michael Armstrong said the council needed to open a direct line of communication with community-minded youth.
When contacted today he was unable to give details on what form that would take if he was elected, but said it would take consultation with the community and council staff.
"It is disappointing that when we consider the future of our shire that there are few avenues for our youth to have their say," Mr Armstrong said.
"The Tweed Labor team understands the need to take the long view and is committed to engage properly with the people who are the Tweed."
Mr Armstrong said he had been in contact with the council about its existing youth programs, but wouldn't elaborate saying he couldn't comment on private conversations with individuals.
Fellow candidate Reece Byrnes, who was just 22 when he ran against Tweed MP Geoff Provest in the 2011 state election, has echoed Mr Armstrong's concerns saying the voice of young people needs to be heard.
"The Tweed Shire Council needs to remember that we are dealing with the issues that will have a big impact on the future of our shire," Mr Byrnes said.
"We need to make sure that the voice of our young people is heard when we are looking at the big issues facing our community."
My Daily News is awaiting comment from Tweed Shire Council.
