Young people and local government

Queensland local government and the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), in partnership with the State Government, actively encourage young people to contribute, participate, and engage with their local communities and their local government. Local government acknowledges young people are legitimate community members and stakeholders who posses the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

There are a total of 73 local government areas across Queensland, including rural, remote and urban communities. Every council engages young people in youth development in a unique, diverse and regionally appropriate way.

Across the state, councils provide a range of policies, programs, opportunities and services that aim to assist young people to more fully participate in their local communities. Local government youth engagement varies from council to council and can range from traditional council programs such as skate parks and recreational activities to more developmental programs such school holiday programs, youth library services, drop in youth spaces and community visioning processes.

One of the ways that the local government works with communities and young people is through youth councils. Youth councils are made up of young people from a diverse range of backgrounds eager to participate in civic life. Youth councils give young people a voice in their local government and provide a forum for councils to seek the input and advice of young people. They also provide an opportunity for young people to learn about local government.

A key contact for young people interested in learning about their local community and getting more involved is via the Local Government Youth/Community Development Officers. Youth and Community Development Officers:

• provide a link between local councils and young people who wish to participate in the development of their communities
• develop policies, programs, opportunities and services
• support their local councils to act on issues relevant to their communities
• assist to develop broader council policy within a youth policy framework, providing supporting actions or strategies.

If you would like to get more involved in your local council, require further information or have any questions or enquiries please contact:

Brett Johnson, Local Government Association Youth Policy Project Officer