Chamber member Arvo Pikkat called for businesses to do more to give young people a political voice and help them feel part of the political process at a recent chamber meeting.

Several members agreed it would be helpful for youth to be given a forum to express their views and needs for potential new councillors to hear, either as a formal debate or a mock council meeting.

It was decided to approach all high schools in the Southern Highlands, possibly through the regional business chamber and ask them to put forward a team for a debating competition, to be held early next school year.

Chamber president Charlie Johns cited the issue of a leisure centre as something youth really needed, but rarely had a chance to lobby for.

"We market ourselves as a tourist destination, but what do we have here for young people?" he said.

"Our biggest industry is tourism but we've got nothing to offer them once they get here."

Mr Johns said many families were concerned about the lack of youth-oriented activities and facilities in the Highlands.

He said transport was an issue for many young people in a shire with three major centres and several villages.

"It's an issue that should be debated in the next council elections, and it should be an important part of the new council's planning," Mr Johns said.