Their answers are below, listed in the order on the ballot.

GROUP A – GREENS

Why is your group standing for election?

The Greens want Wollongong to be prepared to meet the challenge of climate change. We want to protect our coastline and escarpment and make Wollongong a vibrant, creative, green city, where it's safe for kids to ride their bikes to school; and where our streets are alive and welcoming for everyone.

What are the two core issues your group would like to address within your local area if elected?

Councillors deal with many issues, but two of the most important ones are climate change and affordable housing. We must make sure that Wollongong takes action to reduce the effects of climate change, by having sustainable practices in council properties, and by encouraging initiatives to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. There are many ways this can be done cheaply and effectively, especially in the promotion of solar power, and the promotion of walking, cycling, and public transport. Our kids need safe walking routes to school. Housing has become too costly in Wollongong. There are 6000 empty properties in Wollongong that could be homes!

GROUP B – LABOR

Why is your group standing for election?

We are passionate about Wollongong, with our focus on north of the city, we want to create a better place for the community. There is still so much that needs to be done in the north, from fixing pot holes and drainage to big issues such as traffic management. There needs to be more spent in the suburbs not the City.

What are the two cores issues your group would like to address within your local area if elected?

Traffic movement in the northern suburbs and getting in and out through Thirroul. We need to work with RMS to identify pinch points on the highway and come up with solutions, and start the process of identifying a second access point into Thirroul. Through consultation with the community and others, plans must be put in place.

Commencement of a Master Plan for the Bellambi Foreshore with consultation with the community, Water Board and Department of Housing. This is a beautiful place and needs much attention and could be such a great site for the community and visitors to this city.

GROUP C – LIBERAL

Why is your group standing for election?

The main objective of my Liberal Group is to continue creating new employment opportunities for the people of the Illawarra. If we can give people the chance to work in the city, they call their home, they and their families will be in a much happier economic and social environment. People shouldn't have to spend hours commuting.

What are the two core issues your group would like to address within your local area if elected?

a.  Create a much safer environment. For the past year I have been fighting hard for all appropriate agencies to understand the impact that reckless driving is having throughout Ward 1 and the whole Wollongong region. Those agencies have met but so far the outcomes have only been successful in helping in the short term. The Liberal team's goal is to find a long term solution to this for our region and hopefully a model that will be utilised across the State.

b. The work and success of the newly developing Cruise Ship industry will continue and by encouraging that growth Wollongong will be able to deliver new and exciting tourism based employment opportunities. The Liberal team recognises that the Illawarra region cannot allow itself to rely on what worked in the past. Our goal is to deliver growth through new initiatives.

GROUP D – Independent

Why is your group standing for election?

Group D candidates are strong in that Council should be free of political parties with decision making in the best interest of all residents. There needs to be real community engagement and respect for residents. Residents need a return on their rates with local issues being addressed.  Our members have been active in the community working for the community, understanding the needs of the community for many years.

What are the two core issues your group would like to address within your local area if elected?

Rates have been significantly increased by way of a special rate variation of some 20%. With high land valuations in the northern suburbs, this has meant they have carried a far greater burden than other areas. Council continues to plan the West Dapto development whilst basic services are ignored in the north. This anomaly needs to be addressed that all residents pay a fair rate. The Pensioner rebate is long overdue to be increased to a manageable level.

The key issue is the flood insurance premiums charged by insurance companies. After 6 years of fighting for justice, Cr Petty has discovered insurance premiums are being kept artificially higher because Council has not released key GIS and ALS flood study data to the insurance industry. This information must be provided immediately free of charge to industry.