A number of students participated in the Eurobodalla 2030 Community Summit, held at the Soldiers Club last Thursday.

Participants were asked to comment on their vision for the shire over the next 30 years.

As well as commenting on issues, the participants were asked for their input on defining objectives and strategies and identifying resources that could be used to implement the shire’s community strategic plan.

It followed a similar “mini” summit for Carroll College students, the previous day.

Students at both forums welcomed the opportunity to comment on the shire’s future.

At Carroll College, Year 11 student Emily Carter said transport was a big issue and that some residents had a “bad attitude”.

“There is a lot of negativity towards young people and stereotyping in general,” she said. “Not all of us are trouble-makers.”

The 2030 mini summit inspired Emily, who is keen to be a proactive community member.

“We all thought it was great to have our own say in important matters in the shire,” she said. “The way it was organised was really insightful.”

Moruya High Year Nine student Eydie Crowley attended the community gathering to push for more transport and better facilities.

And she said the level of respect shown to the youth who attended was gratifying.

“We got so much input, people really listened to us,” she said.

“All the councillors are men and over 50, so to get the youth perspective and include it in the plan would actually be a really, really good thing.”

Eydie recognised council’s financial constraints but said “controlled” growth was the key to better services.

“If we attract big business then public transport will come,” she said.