Out and About: In or Out,? Better Outcomes from Young People's Use of Public & Community Space in the City of Brisbane

Abstract

This is a three volume report of a two year action research project into the difficulties and opportunities experienced by young people in four major centres in Brisbane City in the period 1995-1997. Volume 1 provides and overview describes methods and discusses key recommendations. Volume 2 describes in more detail proposed policies and actions, identifies means of implementation, and summarises strategies and mechanisms to assist development and implementation of local strategies. Volume 3 describes the investigation process in three study areas, involving surveys, focus groups and workshops with young people and other stakeholders together with a number of appendices including useful background information.

The initial aims defined by the Brisbane City were to develop guidelines for the design and management of major centres to take into account

• the needs of young people,
• the reduction of community conflict,
• enhancement of cultural development, and
• Maintenance of centre viability.

The project builds on the earlier work of the South Bank Youth Action Research Project, and the City Council’s Department of Recreation and Health’s Young People in Open Space initiatives. The outcome is intended to provide information for the planning, development and management of major centres relevant to City Councils and other local governments, centre managements, and community groups, in particular youth agencies.