The results are in from the Surf Coast Shire Council’s Youth Survey, with more than 1,000 locals aged between 10 and 25 responding.
94% of respondents rated life in the shire as good, great or amazing, with 95% feeling positive about their future.
While just over three quarters of respondents feel connected to the community, 37% of people aged 14-25 aren’t sure if they’ll still live locally in 10 years time.
Cost of living, housing affordability and limited study/job opportunities were listed as main factors for the uncertainty.
Mental health and wellbeing, social connectedness, school stress/academic pressure, and family dynamics were named as the top personal challenges amongst all respondents.
When asked about community challenges, locals most commonly named recreation and activities, environmental concerns, technology balance, and transport and access.
The leading concern amongst female respondents aged 14-25 was coping with stress, while body image topped for males.
Recreation and sports infrastructure, social and community venues, community connection and inclusion, accessibility and wellbeing, and youth voice and agency were the most popular answers when young people were asked what would improve the Surf Coast for them.
The local council said insights will be used to inform future programs, services and spaces.
