Mr Pearce, Opposition spokesman for the Illawarra, has shaken off accusations by his Labor counterpart, Minister for the Illawarra Paul McLeay, who described his contribution as "invisible" in the region.

Mr McLeay also accused the Liberal MLC of incorrectly defining the southern boundary of the Illawarra, on his website, as the Shoalhaven River, when it actually extends to North Durras.

But Mr Pearce, visiting Wollongong on Monday to address community groups, insisted he was a vocal crusader for the region.

"I'm not the local member ... my role is to be an advocate of the Illawarra in the shadow cabinet," he said. "That's why I'm here, to find out what the issues are."

The Illawarra information on his website was to "describe the beauty and benefits of the region", not a "geographic mapping exercise," Mr Pearce said.

Liberal Party strategists have predicted the fortunes of the Coalition in the Illawarra could turn next March.

Shoalhaven deputy mayor Gareth Ward has won Liberal preselection for Kiama, and there are reports several strong candidates have put their names forward in the seats of Heathcote, Keira and Wollongong.

Mr Pearce, formerly of Moss Vale now living in Sydney's CBD, said the region was crying out for investment and a more dynamic central business district.

He expressed concern over the Wollongong Harbour redevelopment and pledged to make the process more "open and transparent" by raising the issue in Parliament.

But while Mr Pearce might be out batting for the Illawarra, a Mercury street poll yesterday revealed he suffered a lack of recognition among ordinary punters.

"Greg Pearce? No, I've never even heard the name," said Albion Park Rail's Linda Llewellyn, in a comment typical of those questioned.