The housing crisis is hurting an increasing number of Illawarra residents - and suburbs in ward three are no exception.
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While southern suburbs were once a more affordable option, they're not immune to the creeping cost of putting a roof over your head.
With a more blue-collar demographic than many of the region's northern suburbs, it's tough for the average family to spring for a home with a million dollar price tag.
Greens candidate Jess Whittaker and Greens NSW MP Jenny Leong spoke about the mounting pressures in Port Kembla on Tuesday.
"The rents are too damn high," Ms Leong said.
"That's what it comes down to. People are in desperate situations.
"When I was down here filming [for Could You Survive On The Breadline?] the only thing here to eat that was affordable on Saturday night was a pie from the servo."
Ms Whittaker said, if elected, she would push for up to 30 per cent of new developments to be designated affordable housing for essential workers.
"Inequality is such a huge problem in this city," she said.
"If things continue what's going to happen to the next generation of essential workers?"
Ms Whittaker also wants to see a free bus service available in the southern suburbs, free pool access and for libraries to open on Sundays, as a space for recreation for those in cramped or overcrowded homes.
Labor candidate for ward three, Linda Campbell, agreed affordable housing was a pressing issue across the region.
"How we tackle that in any sort of meaningful way is really difficult because we need really strong collaboration between all three levels of government," she said.
"Council does have to do better, and there is potential within some of the council planning tools to make a difference.
"Every single one of us has family who this is impacting on."
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