While the Southern Highlands and the Shoalhaven have topped the list of NSW youth unemployment hot spots, Marulan Chamber of Commerce president David Humphries said there is no issue with youth unemployment in Marulan.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Unfair Australia report, released by anti-poverty organisation Brotherhood of St Laurence last week showed youth unemployment levels in Mittagong currently sitting at 28.9 per cent.
While the Marulan postcode, 2579, was listed under the Southern Highlands region in the study, Mr Humphries said he doesn’t believe the figures are represent of the situation in Marulan.
Related Coverage
“Marulan is going ahead so fast from a housing point of view, it is one of the fastest growing areas in the state,” Mr Humphries said.
“In Marulan we are actually having trouble getting staff in different areas. You don’t walk down the street and see hordes of young people sitting about.”
Mr Humphries said due to the work done by the extractive industries working group, quarries in the region are hiring local young people as apprentices and are offering scholarships to year 12 students.
Brotherhood of St Laurence executive director Conny Lenneberg says rural areas and outer suburbs carry the heaviest burden.
She has called for action from governments and employers in those communities
"Stubborn rates of youth unemployment are not just a concern for families or the welfare sector," Ms Lenneberg said in a statement on Monday.
Across NSW the youth unemployment rate reached 10.8 per cent in the 12 months to January, 2018.
This national youth unemployment rate currently site at 12.2 per cent, which is more than double the nationwide average of 5.5 per cent for people of all ages.