5. Public Spaces, Buildings and Natural Environment

Stakeholder Response

Stakeholders also noted that events were great to engage youth such as outdoor cinema and music events however interactive events were also encouraged such ‘Esperance Has Talent’, Battle of the DJs and Utube film clips (possibly go-pro clips made by Esperance youth) displayed on outdoor wall.

3.4 Other Youth Comments

• Free food was a significant drawcard for young people (noted at the workshops during the promotion of an upcoming youth event where this applied). Free food did not necessarily mean junk food as healthy foods was also suggested as was providing both options. • Safety and security was important within this theme with young people wanting to feel safe, respected and that security was provided, particularly at events such as the Agricultural Show. • Young people aged 18+ did not feel that there was much to do for them with the exception of cinema, pub and camping. They wanted to catch-up however did not always want to be in an alcohol venue, where it relied on money or in the family home; suggested alternatives included themed movie nights, murder mystery dinners. • A waterpark, was very popular with young people as was the suggested idea of a waterslide. Eltos (Ocean) waterpark is owned and operated by a private business and was noted as the basis behind these comments. It was noted that Eltos was not an affordable option for all young people.

4. Transport and Housing

4.1 Housing Youth Response

• Young people recognised there was not a lot of housing options available and in particular for young people. They saw a need for youth based housing which was based on simple living and was a starting point to learning about rental arrangements and getting a good rental record. Examples were hostels, college type units where some rooms were communal, supported housing, backpacker style and flat pack housing which young people helped build. Ideally youth housing would be located near facilities, therefore not having to rely on transport. • A lot of young people did not know what was available in particular for young people. There were several suggestions around providing support to young people to assist with searching for accommodation as well as with living out of home and managing the new arrangement. • The cost of renting was deemed very expensive and with many young people in the low income pay bracket, their options were limited or they were kept out of the rental market. Some rentals were cheaper however safety and security was a concern based on other factors. Young people wanted to see cheaper rentals available for young people including low income housing options. They did not see the future option of home ownership with the increase in prices keeping them out of the market.

Stakeholders Response

There was an identified need for affordable housing aimed at young people which could be offered as condensed apartments or single bedroom units. There was few comments regarding young people being involved in the development and building of a housing project such as a co-op arrangements. Support with regards to tenancy and out of home living was also recognised as having value to young people leaving home. There also needed to be housing options for young people with a disability.

4.2 Public Transport Youth Response

• There was significant request for public transport to be available, in particular the concept of a

Public Bus (not school buses). There were several variations of what the public bus service would

‘look like’, for example a youth bus, a whole of community bus, weekend buses, buses for specific events/activities, supervised buses, 24/7 bus, daily buses, school holiday bus, bus to health/medical services, volunteer bus drivers, ‘Cat’ style bus service (as in Perth City), outside of town bus service and a free bus. • Existing transport options were dependant on the location and resources available to the individual.

These mainly included walking, bikes, school bus, cars (self or other driver) and mopeds (driven by young-person). • Young people did not always have access to transport, reasons included that it was not a financial option; lack of support from or working parents/guardians; and distance of residential location. • Those who did not have bikes wanted to have some donated from the rubbish tip and with support repair for usage. A popular alternative suggestion was bike hire. • Out of town transport, in particular plane flights were seen as expensive. • Young people wanted to see cheaper school bus fares and also wanted to see the use of smart rider type cards on the bus to simplify the payment process and offer discounted costs. • The online Youth Survey asked “What could help you to get around town?” Young people responded to a suggested list (as follows) by answering ‘Very Helpful, Helpful, Somewhat Helpful or No help’, each of these with a weighted score. A learner’s driver program was first (2.86); then community bus to youth activities (2.73); out of town bus information (2.67); more walk paths (2.6); more bike paths (2.53); and carpooling to sports games (2.36).

Stakeholders Response

Stakeholders also recognised the need for some form of public transport, whether that be the CAT Perth City Style of hop on and off or public transport available during school holidays or for special events. It was also noted that community groups could benefit from a Community Bus. Other transport suggestions include using social media to promote carpooling; forming a bike pool whereby push bikes are donated so that can be used by the community; walking bus for parents/older students to collect kids while walking to school (as a group); and changing the perception of the need for transport.

4.3 Driver’s Education Support Youth Response

• Young people were mostly aware of the changes to the driving hours when attaining your driver’s licence. The increase from 25 to 50 driving hours (and associated conditions) to complete in their logbook was a concern as Esperance town was only small and would take a long period to achieve. This also relied on an experienced adult with a current driver’s licence (refer Learner Driver conditions) being available to supervise for those hours too. • They wanted to see a program offered, which could include volunteers, community groups, businesses, etc. to assist with the achieving the log book hours • Again, not all young people had access to a car and/or the opportunity to attain their driver’s licence and would require program support too. • They also felt there was need for improved driver education whether that be about getting your licence or more practical education such as safety on country roads and during dangerous conditions. • There was often a waiting list to see a driving instructor and wanted more available to reduce the timeframes. • Young people with moped licences stated they often did not feel respected by their fellow road users.