Thinking young

By Melissa Meehan
CINEMAS, motor sport, laser skirmish and paintball may be a way of the future in Cardinia Shire – if the council has its way.
Providing things for youth to do in Cardinia has been an issue for the shire for many years, and looks set to hit another gear in 2012.
Planning for the new youth facility, to be opened in Pakenham in mid 2012, includes provisions for an internet cafe and staff on deck to provide programmed activities for young people.
Youngest councillor Brett Owen said the council was currently reviewing its Youth Strategy and hoped residents would be part of the community consultation in months to come.
“The council has been supporting the development of a wider range of provision than council provides through advocacy, advice and assistance,” Cr Owen said.
“An example of this is assisting and advising the group looking to develop a motor education and recreation park in the shire.”
He said the council has liased and encouraged cinema operators to explore opportunities in the shire and hopes to see a successful outcome in the future.
“Council has also provided advice internally on planning applications relevant to youth entertainment such as potential laser skirmish and paintball facilities,” he said.
“We also continually seek state and federal funding to provide extra youth grants for young people.
He said the council’s youth services provided a range of new services to young people across the shire in term one including a dance program, after school programs, body image programs, lunch time programs as well as a range of other programs.