Shire of Harvey still looking for best spot for youth services

Shire of Harvey officials are still undecided where the shire’s youth services will operate due to a lack of suitable locations. The council voted to increase funding for youth services early last year and hoped to have monthly shire-run programs throughout 2023 and 2024. But a location to run these programs has yet to be found. A council report said there were no fit-for-purpose youth facilities in the shire and recommended the council explore establishing stand-alone facilities in Australind and Harvey. Six shire-owned facilities were investigated to see if they could be used as a youth space but after plans for the most appropriate location, Harvey RSL Hall, were put on hold last September, councillors called for a report to explore the importance of a stand-alone youth facility. The report suggests the shire look at allocating money in its 2024-25 annual budget for the establishment of youth facilities and support of programs at the Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre as it is the community’s preferred location if more youth services are offered.