The Deputy Lord Mayor announced her candidacy on Wednesday, following last week's announcement by Greens councillor Mithra Cox that she would throw her hat into the ring.

"Regardless of gender, I think I have the skills to do the job," Cr Brown said. "In this council term we have quite a few female representatives, which does impact on the level of debate."

She said she wanted to make the city the best place to live, work and raise a family by investing in the suburbs and creating local jobs.

"For Wollongong to prosper we need a vibrant local economy, ready to embrace new industries and fresh ideas so more locals can get permanent, secure jobs here in Wollongong without the need to commute," she said.

The Greens have already announced their council election contenders - all females - with public transport campaigner Bronwyn Batten and paramedic and environmental activist Jess Whittaker joining existing councillors Cath Blakey and Ms Cox.

Ms Cox said if a woman was selected for the honour of lord mayor it would reinforce the fact women "can change the world".

She believes transport has become the major issue holding Wollongong back - from footpaths to pedestrian crossings.

"That affects everything from kids being able to walk to school and there not being enough footpaths and pedestrian crossings to do it safely, to effects on the late night economy because there's no late night transport to get home," she said.

"Our whole transport system is based on commuting to Sydney and not looking at Wollongong as a large regional city."

The pair are likely to face off against the popular independent Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery, who is yet to officially confirm his intention to recontest.

"At this stage I'm anticipating that I will run, but I'm also very keen that we find independents who are going to stand for Wards 1 and 2," Cr Bradbery said.

"We have a city that looks like being dominated by political groupings, so it's very important that we do have access to independent councillors ... that are prepared to take on board diverse views and represent diverse needs of the community."

The last time a woman was in charge of the city was Gabrielle Kibble in 2008 to 2009.

She was appointed one of three administrators after the then council was sacked following investigations by the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

The Liberal Party is yet to announce their contingent for the September 4 elections, or give any indication of whether they will have a lord mayoral candidate in that line-up.

Liberal councillor Leigh Colacino said the party was still "putting together an announcement" though he said he would be recontesting his seat in Ward 1 and continue his "commitment" to the growth of the city.

Fellow Liberal councillors John Dorahy and Cameron Walters were also contacted by the Mercury but did not comment on their candidacy.