Jobs, footpaths, parking top concerns for Wollongong Labor candidates

Easing traffic issues in the northern suburbs, building women's change rooms at ageing sports fields, upgrades to playgrounds and a free shuttle to Dapto were all part of their key policies announced on Wednesday.

Read more: Shellharbour Council set to unleash new freedom for dogs

Lord Mayoral candidate Tania Brown said for too long the focus had been on the city centre and put forward a number of policies to include the outer areas, like a free bus services - similar to the Gong Shuttle - looping in southern suburbs between Dapto and the CBD.

If elected on December 4, Cr Brown also wanted to push $1 million into the infrastructure delivery budget to upgrade change rooms at sporting fields.

"We have an issue with a growing population which doesn't have the facilities to cater to them," she said.

Labor councillor David Brown said people wanted to see a return on investment in outer suburbs with upgrades to footpaths, playgrounds and roads rather than to concentrate efforts on monuments in the city centre.

"People want to see their suburbs fixed or made better and council need to remember Wollongong is much bigger than the CBD," he said.

Read more: Wollongong councillor Janice Kershaw breaks ankle on campaign trail

Jobs was another key focus, after Wollongong's post-COVID peak bodies task force found skill shortages in various areas like hospitality and trades like boilermakers

While Tania Brown said improving parking and pushing for improvements to roads were also top of mind, despite being at the hands of the State Government.

"Years ago I worked for the Minister for Transport and I saw the plans for a second route up Bulli Pass, but where are they now?" she asked.

"They are state issues but if we're not having the argument with them, and having in an evidence based way, we're failing."

POLICY PROMISES:

If elected on December 4, Mayoral candidate Tania Brown has promised to: