Transport, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee

Convener: Josh Kane MSYP, Coatbridge & Chryston

A ROUGH GUIDE TO REMIT ...

  • The Environment
  • Sustainable Development
  • National Parks & Natural Heritage
  • Transport, including cost, availability and concessionary travel
  • Rural Issues
  • Wildlife
  • Farming & Fishing

Committee In Action

Committee with plasticine models Committee members have been active getting involved in activities ranging from attending climate change workshops, representing SYP at Rural Affairs cross-party group meetings at the parliament, implementing the Phoenix project in association with RSPB and running an eco-friendly fashion week as well as lots of exciting sounding local work.

The group also took the time at the SYP Sitting in Aberdeen to reflect on the effect that the current economic climate may have on issues within the remit. After some creative brainstorming using plasticine it was decided that there is a danger of sustainable development initiatives losing momentum and that rural areas are likely to see impacts in services however there are also positives in that people might be encouraged to use more public transport and to recycle.

Transport

The committee are involved in an ongoing campaign to improve availability and access to buses for Scottish young people. Over 07/08 a petition for greater fare concessions received over 500 signatures. Following on from this the group are hoping to host a meeting with relevant MSPs to discuss the future of the National Concession Card with a view to extending the discount for those aged 16-25.

Environment

The plasticine models Committee members have communicated with a number of nationwide environment orientated organisations including Eco Schools, the Community Woodland Trust and RSPB. Identifying a need to raise awareness and to empower young people to address environmental issues in their local areas the committee are hoping to hold skills sessions across a number of local authorities in 08/09. The project, currently operating under the guise ‘Eco-Challenge’, will support young people to launch small sustainable development projects.

Rural Affairs

TERA Committee meeting As well as getting involved in local committees, the group also has seats on the Rural Affairs Cross-Party group at the Scottish Parliament and the Rural Development Council. Through this they aim to promote the welfare of young people living in rural areas.


CONTACT

Get in touch with the Committee at tera@sypmail.org.uk.

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