Handful of replies to panel ideas

With just one week to go before the end of community consultation on the controversial advisory group's recommendations, the council has received just 20 submissions and 46 surveys, as well as 13 posts on its Have Your Say website.

The citizens panel released its report last week, as part of the council's comprehensive financial services review which aims to free up $21 million a year to meet an infrastructure backlog.

The report has been widely criticised for putting forward "vague" and "ambiguous" suggestions, as well as recommending wide-ranging cuts to libraries, tidal pools, playgrounds and parks, the outsourcing of tourist parks and labour, as well as greater efficiencies within the council administration.

Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said it was vital more residents take up the chance to respond, and share their own ideas.

"I am not sold on everything the citizens panel has suggested and neither are the councillors - it's not the be all and end all, it's just a conversation starter, and I want everyone else to make their submissions so that their voices can be heard as well," he said.

"It's not enough just to criticise the citizens panel, they also need to generate some alternative perspectives."

Cr Bradbery said he recognised that it was "challenging and painful" for the city's residents to have to consider a rate rise or service cuts, but stressed it was an "unavoidable conversation".

"We have to have this conversation now, otherwise we'll be having it in dribs and drabs in the future when an asset fails or we see the city slowly deteriorating," he said.

Residents can write a letter, send an email, fill out a survey or participate in an online forum through the council's Have Your Say website bu November 20 at haveyoursaywollongong.com.au