That's the clear message sent by Illawarra Labor MPs to Dominic Perrottet after he won the Liberal party room vote on Tuesday morning to replace Gladys Berejiklian.

Labor member for Wollongong Paul Scully said the region needed the state government to invest in it now more than ever.

Read more: Perrottet promises to be 'family premier'

"I congratulate Dom on becoming Premier of NSW," Mr Scully said.

"He takes on a big task at a difficult time in the states history."

"However, it must be remembered that as treasurer, Dom was responsible for the lowest level of NSW Government investment in the Wollongong electorate under this Liberal/National Government.

"As premier, he must no longer take the third largest city in the state for granted.

"He needs to share our ambition for our city and our region."

Labor member for Keira and shadow health minister Ryan Park said he hopes Mr Perrottet changes his approach on a number of key areas now he is premier.

"It's important to remember that when Treasurer he was advocating to increase then GST, tax the family home and underpaid injured workers to the tune of $80 million," Mr Park said.

"Thousands of local business owners have also had to wait up to eight weeks for urgent assistance payments during the lockdown because of the bureaucratic bungling of the support program.

"And whilst he pretends to be on the side of workers he is the one who has implemented pay freezes for thousands of frontline staff."

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said he went into politics to get things done for the local community and will continue to do that with the new premier.

"I have known Dominic Perrottet for 20 years and I look forward to working with him to deliver outcomes that matter to local," he said.

"I also congratulate Stuart Ayres on his election as deputy premier.

"I will be knocking on their doors, and knocking them down if required, to ensure the voice of our community is heard loud and clear.

"Our region and our state faces the most significant challenged in a generation.

"Strong, consistent and focused leadership is more critical than ever."

Meanwhile South Coast MP and minister for local government Shelley Hancock said she strongly supports the NSW Liberal Party's endorsement of Dominic Perrottet to lead the party and the state.

"As Treasurer he has been a strong supporter of many local projects on the South Coast, including the duplication of the Princes Highway and the redevelopment of Shoalhaven Hospital," she said.

"I have worked closely with Dominic for many years and look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve with him in the NSW Government. I welcome his commitment to reopen NSW as we adjust to living with COVID-19."

Read more: Illawarra COVID-19 update

The Illawarra Mercury news app is now officially live on both iOS and Android devices. It is available for download in the Apple Store and Google Play.