Mission Australia’s Youth Survey Report showcases the issues affecting Townsville’s young people
Young Townsville residents have had their say on the biggest issues affecting their lives, with a new survey revealing the figures from across the country.
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Young Townsville residents say the biggest issue affecting them is cost of living, according to the latest survey from Mission Australia.
The 2024 Youth Survey Report showed those aged 15-19 have increasing concerns over the cost of living, with the issue more than doubling on last years national statistics.
Conducted between April and August the survey, which has been done for the last 23 years, aims to share insights into how to better support young people.
Numbers for the Townsville region showed cost of living was the top issues for 53 per cent of those surveyed with violence, safety and crime the second highest issue at 43 per cent, followed by climate change and the environment at 24 per cent.
The most common personal challenge faced by young people in Townsville was school and study at 50 per cent, followed by personal relationships at 20 per cent and mental health at 14 per cent.
Mission Australia State Director Qld Stephen Vines said issues that had previously been ranked the highest had reduced, due to people struggling to make ends meet.
“It is clear financial struggles are considerably impacting young lives and their views about our country,” he said.
“It points to the need for increased financial support to help alleviate financial hardship.”
Housing and homelessness continues to be listed among the top ten concerns nationwide for young people.
“Young people shouldn’t have to worry about where they are going to sleep tonight,” Mr Vines said.
“They should be thinking about education, friends, family and their future from the stability of a safe, secure and affordable home.”
In terms of wellbeing 62 per cent of Townsville respondents said they felt ‘mostly or completely in control of their life’, while 23 per cent ‘felt lonely most or all of the time’ and 23 per cent saying they suffered from ‘high psychological stress’.
Community Services Area Manager Melissa Previtera said the report gives Mission Australia the ability to plan how they can improve their services.
“You’re hearing from the voices of young people themselves and it shows us how we should align our work moving forward,” she said.
Citing homelessness and housing concerns as a major issue for young people in Townsville Ms Previtera said it showed the need to look at what long term housing looks like in the city.
“Increasing youth housing options, social housing and making sure it’s evidence-based is key,” she said.
Highlighting the success of Townsville’s Youth Foyer, a 40-unit complex providing living spaces for vulnerable youth which was opened in July by Premier at the time Steven Miles. Ms Previtera said spaces like this were needed across the state.
“We really need to focus on listening to young people, because they have the answers. We’ve got to ensure that they are included in all our decision making processes,”
The Youth Foyer has onsite support 24/7 from Mission Australia staff, with foyers also located in Logan and on the Gold Coast.
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Originally published as Mission Australia’s Youth Survey Report showcases the issues affecting Townsville’s young people
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