Ryan Park has called for the government to allocate money in the June 23 budget to set up a ‘‘Smart Work Hub’’ in the region, after it failed to secure one of the five facilities established mid-last year.

The roll-out, part of a $1.5 million pilot program, delivered Western Sydney and Central Coast commuters an alternative place to work closer to home.

Mr Park said a significant number of Illawarra residents were forced to travel - by road or rail - daily for work and a hub would provide ‘‘fantastic social benefits’’ for workers and their families.

‘‘It is not good enough the Illawarra was not considered for the current Smart Work Hub pilot program,’’ Mr Park said.

‘‘Not only do we have a large proportion of workers commuting daily we are also limited with transport choices due to our geographic location.’’ 

The pilot hubs - at Rouse Hill, Oran Park, Penrith, Wyong and Gosford - were touted by then minister for trade and investment Andrew Stoner as having Wi-Fi, video conferencing, meeting spaces, kitchens and on-site IT support.

‘‘A Smart Hub in the Illawarra would not only ease stress on families but importantly reduce fatigue and inject much needed funds into our local economy,’’ he said.

‘‘Population trends show a rise in the number of people choosing to live in the Illawarra, we need to adapt and accommodate the needs of our working community.’’

Parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward admitted the hubs were a ‘‘great concept’’ and he would ‘‘continue to advocate for one’’.

‘‘But, keep in mind the reason you call something a pilot program is because you monitor and then report on its success,’’ Mr Ward said.

‘‘I still haven’t seen the report on how effective they are.

‘‘I know Mr Park believes that government is the answer to all of life’s questions; I don’t necessarily think that’s the case.

‘‘There may well be a private sector operator that might want to have a try at this and perhaps that’s something, if there is a demand, the market could stimulate.’’

A spokesman for Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy Anthony Roberts said the pilot regions were identified as priority areas for funding because they have the two largest commuter populations in the state.

The spokesman said an Illawarra application was received and the Department of Industry was ‘‘continuing to liaise with key stakeholders in the area’’.

The government will consider rolling the program out to other locations, if the pilot is successful.