7. Civic Participation and Volunteering

• Several young people wanted to see Woody Island rebuilt as a potential camping destination as had been in previous years. • A couple comments provided related to improved water (ocean) management, including seawater desalination and reducing the ballast from the ships.

Stakeholders Response

Feedback included more shaded hang outs for young people at the foreshore and the potential greater use of these natural assets as they were currently underutilised. There was also the suggestion to tag youth key words with relation to public spaces on websites, with aim to improve youth access to this information.

5.5 Other Youth Comments

• Water fountains located in key locations around town that provide free accessible water to everyone and for support those who are active. • Increase shaded/sun protection structures and BBQs at the beach • They also wanted to see waterslides and features from other jetty’s’ (e.g. Busselton) incorporated into the Esperance Jetty to make it more interactive and fun. • More bins places around in public places (in particular beaches) to deter litter. • Wanted to see more interactive and contemporary community art that appealed to a youth age group (not just graffiti art either). • There was a great interest in increasing the number of fast food places and eateries in Esperance, especially on the foreshore and 24/7. Fast food places provide a meeting place for young people to socialise with cheaper food • Shops and shopping malls were places that gave young people something to do socially with their friends. Clothing shops were of particular interest however needed to have cheaper pricing. • Identified the need for improvements/upgrades to ‘entertainment’ facilities owned by private businesses.

6. Communication and Information

6.1 Wi-Fi and Coverage Youth Response

• Wi-Fi, particularly free Wi-Fi, was recognised as important to young people so that they could stay connected throughout the community and not be charged each time for usage with prepaid plans. • A number of food-based businesses already provided free Wi-Fi however was not always reliable and was on condition with purchasing food/drinks. • Improved phone and internet coverage across the Shire and in particular areas outside of town.

Phone/Internet contacts could be expensive and they did not ensure reliable coverage. The NBN was raised on several occasions as having the potential to resolve these issues.

Stakeholder Response

Free and accessible Wi-Fi was noted on numerous occasions as important to support a youth friendly community.

6.2 Promotion/Advertising Youth Response

• Social media was definitely a popular means to getting information out to young people however equally as popular was signage around town and other methods such as school notices, word of mouth and media advertisements. No one method worked and it was best to use a variety of targeted advertising/promotional strategies.