Batemans Bay High School student Ebony Allen said the community should no longer ignore the youth of the Eurobodalla.
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"I am here to raise the issue that there is a lack of facilities available to the youth," she said.
Her powerful speech addressed the lack of opportunities and the importance of embracing youth for a better future.
Ebony said youth were affected by the closure of businesses in the Batemans Bay area.
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"It has been difficult to find entertaining and engaging activities for persons under the age of 24-years," she said.
"Not only is there a lack of facilities but also a lack of opportunities in Batemans Bay, whether this be job related, educational or cultural pursuits."
Through research, Ebony said 18 to 35 year olds represented the lowest percentage of the population in Batemans Bay.
"Young adults don't want to stay in the area longer than they have to, they leave as soon as the opportunity arises," she said.
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Ebony expressed the limitations of further education and believes the expansion of current facilities would benefit youth and the economy.
"There is plenty of money to be made in investing in the youth of the Eurobodalla, however monetary incentives should not be the only motivation," she said.
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"We should be looking to our future, creating an environment that encourages youth development."
In conclusion, Ebony hopes to see more attention to the needs of the shire's youth.
Listen to Ebony's speech in the video above.