Student sample for assessment
Written by a Year 6 student in Footscray, Victoria, Australia.
Dear Councillors, I am writing to support the new policy that would require developers to include space for young people in all new residential developments. This is important because young people need somewhere safe to spend time outside school and home, and because communities become stronger when young people are included in planning. First, young people need dedicated spaces because they have nowhere else to go. If a family moves to a new development with no playground or youth space, their children have to go to parks that might be far away or in other suburbs. But young people also need space within their own neighbourhood where they can feel like they belong. A space designed for young people shows that a community welcomes them. Second, when developers are required to include space for young people, communities are better designed. A neighbourhood with a place where young people can gather is a neighbourhood where families want to live. Families want to know their children are safe and have somewhere to be. This makes developments more attractive and this makes councils stronger because families stay longer. Some people might say that space for young people is expensive and developers will pass the cost to families. But if the council requires it, all developers will do it the same way, and costs will be balanced. It is not as expensive as building roads or shops, and it benefits everyone, not just young people. I believe this policy is worth making because it shows young people matter and because it makes better communities. Communities that include young people are happier, safer and stronger. I hope the council will support this policy. Yours sincerely, A concerned young person