One of Australia’s oldest populations, high youth unemployment and poor school retention rates are just some of the challenges the Far South Coast faces on the way to economic growth, according to a federal government analyst.
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Ivan Neville, of the Department of Employment, addressed a seminar for the Regional Development Australia Far South Coast group in Batemans Bay last week.
Speaking at the Soldiers’ Club on Wednesday, Mr Neville outlined some harsh statistical truths for the Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven and Bega Valley shires.
“One of the big challenges at the moment is high youth unemployment and these youth are disregarded within the workforce,” Mr Neville said.
“This means they are not studying or not looking for a job and that presents a great challenge for the region.
“There needs to be a transition in the region to change this level of engagement and we need to look at youth leaving the area.
“Many leave for either work or to study and that’s fine, but if they don’t come back, it can damage the economy.”
Forty-seven per cent of the Eurobodalla’s population is aged above 50 years, compared to a state average of 30 per cent.
Mr Neville said that this presented challenges but also opportunities for the region.
The health sector could benefit, but its own workforce was also ageing.
