COMMUNITY leaders are concerned but unsurprised at recent government figures which show a steep decline in the number of young people in Millicent.
There were 1160 youngsters under the age of 14 in Millicent in mid-2008, but this shrunk to just 908 within a decade.
The statistics have been described as a “real worry” by Millicent and District International Basketball Association manager Peter Seebohm.
His sporting organisation has the largest underage program in Millicent.
“Our playing numbers are stable and we are having the same number of competitions,” Mr Seebohm said.
“We are now getting more junior basketballers out of such areas as Robe, Glencoe, Penola and Beachport.”
Wattle Range Council chief executive Ben Gower said council was not surprised by the Australian Bureau of Statistics figures for Millicent.
Mr Gower said this was a trend that council had been aware of and monitored for a considerable period of time.
“It is factored into our strategic planning and was a key consideration in the development of the Limestone Coast Regional Growth Plan,” Mr Gower said.
“Leading Australian demographer Bernard Salt presented to a group of Limestone Coast councils in Mount Gambier a number of years ago.
“He confirmed what we already knew which was that our younger population is in decline, but that our older population is growing as more and more people are moving to the country for a ‘tree change’.
“This is a trend that is repeating itself both nationally and globally, where younger people are leaving rural areas to seek improved education and employment opportunities in our major cities.
“There are many and various reasons why this is occurring and unfortunately there is no ‘quick fix’ or ‘silver bullet’ that can reverse the trend.”
Mr Gower said council was working on a range of initiatives to both retain and attract younger people to our region.
“Recent investment in child friendly infrastructure like The Domain nature play area and our swimming facilities goes some way towards providing young families with a range of different recreational activities,” he said.
“The Gladys Smith Early Learning Centre is an important service for younger working families and council’s ongoing advocacy for State Government pre and primary school services in each of our townships and hospital and healthcare services in our larger townships will continue to ensure these important services are retained in the future.
“We are also working closely with UniSA to find project placements for undergraduates, with the long-term aim of attracting them to the region after they graduate.
“We host a Wattle Range Youth Week every year and recognise, support and promote our young people through a range of different activities.
“We are also exploring new opportunities to include younger people in council’s decision making and are working with the three secondary schools in the council area on how we can collaborate with them better when it comes to local leadership training and mentoring.”
An upbeat approach to the future of Millicent has also been painted by Millicent Business Community Association chairman Lee Morgan.
He said Millicent reflects the national trend where the median age of Australia’s population has increased from 35 years to 39 years.
“From my experience, the opportunities for families are significant in regional areas and particularly in Millicent,” Mr Morgan said.
“Millicent for instance has cheaper real estate, three primary schools and there are extensive sporting and playground facilities plus a healthy environment.
“With the world wide web through the NBN, Millicent is connected to everything the world has to offer and courses and business can be conducted from most regional areas.
“Indeed, Millicent prides itself as a place to ‘Live, Work and Play’ with a focus on attracting families.
“What young families and young people need to understand is there are regional education, training and support programs in Millicent and beyond.
“Combined with medical facilities in regional towns such as Millicent and Mount Gambier, young families can thrive providing they apply some initiative by undertaking training programs.
“With suitable training practical employment opportunities can readily follow.
“The grass is definitely not greener in urban Adelaide, Melbourne or Perth!”
Despite the statistical trend, there is no likelihood of the Stephan family leaving Millicent any time soon.
Businessman Kurt Stephan brought his family from Adelaide to Millicent almost four years ago when he became manager of Teagle Excavations.
“It has everything we need,” his wife Lisy said after a stint at the Millicent swimming lake with their children.
Between them, the three youngsters – aged seven, five and two – are involved in such organised pursuits as soccer, Kindergym and Nippers at Beachport.
“They love the lake and the adventure playground at The Domain and we are looking forward to the opening of the new nature play area, “Ms Stephan said.
“We believe St Anthony’s School and McArthur Park Kindergarten are great.
“Millicent just needs some more sealed footpaths so kids do not have to ride their bikes on the road.”
