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Inverleigh youth hub locked in

May 19, 2022 BY

Jump for joy: Jasper is keen to get his wheels up some proper pump track jumps at an upgraded Inverleigh Active Youth Hub. Photos: EDWINA WILLIAMS

FEDERAL Member for Corangamite Libby Coker has pledged to fund part of the development of an Active Youth Hub at Inverleigh’s Yerram Yaluk Bun if Labor is elected to government this weekend.

The promise is worth $700,000 would include elements of a BMX pump track, an upgraded skate park, basketball court, bicycle tracks, connecting trails, and minor beautification works.

The announcement comes after a similar pledge from the Liberal’s Stephanie Asher a few weeks ago and means that whoever wins government, at least some of the Golden Plains Shire-run youth hub project worth $1.4 million would go ahead.

“This is all about young people having somewhere to go in the heart of the town on weekends and after school where they can come together, stay grounded, keep active, and have fun in a reasonably safe environment,” Ms Coker said.

“It will all be wheelchair accessible. The upgrades will also be done in a way that retains the beautiful natural space that’s here with the gum trees.

“I’ve had a lot of families in Inverleigh contact me about this issue, wanting to make it happen. I congratulate the Inverleigh community and the council who have worked so hard to advocate for this.”

Inverleigh Progress Association member Deb Morrison said her organisation works hard to support young people, so this pledge “means so much” to the town.

“Our youth are the backbone of our community,” she said.

“The Active Youth Space started off as a community-driven project when we saw the need for it, and it’s been extremely well supported by community members, youth, and council throughout the process, and now by our member of parliament.

“It’s got a very strong connection to mental health and wellbeing and community connectedness, so it ticks a lot of boxes in terms of bringing people together, and as a place for being.”