The petition, Cr Crasnich said, will give residents the chance to collectively voice their support for a proposal to build a factory outlet centre and homemaker complex on vacant industrial land on Wyllie Rd.

The proponents, Leda Holdings and Total Recycling, sought a zoning change to have bulky goods and factory outlet uses included in the site's light industrial classification.

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However, Wollongong councillors rejected the proposal in a 7-6 vote last week amid concerns over the possible impact the complex would have on existing retail centres and the loss of prime industrial land.

Cr Crasnich has since lodged a rescission motion that will bring the issue back to the council to be re-discussed next Monday.

He is chasing at least 300 signatures on the petition.

"When council made the decision to knock this back they effectively chose to refuse the community the right to have their say on the matter," he said.

"This petition will give people the chance to have that say and hopefully convince the council to progress this zoning proposal so formal community consultation can occur."

Cr Crasnich said he planned to doorknock homes in Ward 3 to gather signatures.

However, anyone who wanted to sign the petition could do so by sending an email to cr.bcrasnich @wollongong.nsw.gov.au and their names would be added to the petition.