Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

It will be a little while before we get the results of the recent Census. In the interim, the review of SmartGrowth - the Western Bay of Plenty growth strategy - is going ahead using an assumption of continued population growth but at a lower rate than previously predicted. This assumption will be checked against the Census results when they are received.

A range of other demographic modelling is also being used including professor Natalie Jackson's work on our aging population. This predicts that we will end up with a significantly greater number and proportion of older people in our population than youth.

This modelling has significant ramifications for our future. It will mean we will have to change the way we plan our city, our housing, our support services, and our transport. It may result in a shortage of skills and workers, and if unchecked can lead to the end of growth and population decline.

So, it is critical for us to listen now to the youth of today to get their views on what will keep them here in the future and also attract other young people to study and raise families here. We need to build that thinking into SmartGrowth.

In April the draft SmartGrowth strategy will be out for consultation. I'll be calling for youth participation in the consultation process. Our future is at stake.

If you have any view on this or any other issue, email: neesj@xtra.co.nz, phone 07 579 5150, or visit my website: www.janenees.co.nz