Reducing traffic congestion has emerged as one of the most common priorities among Wollongong's prospective councillors, who have oulined the problems that residents in their prospective wards want fixed.
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In ward 3, Liberal candidate Elisha Aitken identified the extension of Northcliffe Drive to the growing area of West Dapto as a traffic issue that needed to be addressed, as well as congestion on Bong Bong Road and the lack of on-ramps to the Albion Park Rail bypass at Dapto.
She said the council needed to lobby the state government for funding on projects like Northcliffe Drive and the on-ramps.
If elected, Ms Aitken said she would want to review what had already been considered and what might be done to solve other issues, such as installing traffic lights or extra lanes.
For Greens candidate Cath Blakey, it is important for the council to focus on "the basics" of footpaths and cycleways to encourage more people to move away from vehicle transport and thereby reduce congestion on the roads.
The ward 2 candidate gave the example of Byarong Creek in Figtree, which was a popular place to walk and ride and where fixing gaps in its links to Figtree Grove - such as installing a bridge - could help.
"We've got to get smarter with how we move around our city," Cr Blakey said.
She also said the council needed to push for a bus services plan to deliver fast and efficient services, and noted the popularity of the free Gong Shuttle bus.
"It's been amazing to see the economic renewal of Fairy Meadow that's happened with the Gong Shuttle," Cr Blakey said.
Meanwhile, Labor's Janice Kershaw highlighted congestion in the roads at the northern end of Memorial Drive as a particular issue in ward 1.
While the highway was a state road, Cr Kershaw said, the council had options to work with Transport for NSW to alleviate pinch points.
She said the council owned land around certain intersections, such as Grevillea Park Road and Point Street in Bulli, and could collaborate with the state agency to build slip lanes in these problem areas to prevent traffic banking up behind turning vehicles.
But Cr Kershaw said the council would also need to continue putting pressure on the state government to to develop a long-term plan.
"The residents are really frustrated... and we can help, but we've got to work together," she said.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
