Launching their campaign for the Wollongong City Council elections in September, local residents Jess Whittaker, Kit Docker & Deidre Stuart were joined with Sue Higginson MLC [second from right] and called for stronger action to alleviate the many challenges faced in the community including the worsening housing and climate crises. 

Launching their campaign for the Wollongong City Council elections in September, local residents Jess Whittaker, Kit Docker & Deidre Stuart called for stronger action to alleviate the many challenges faced in the community including the worsening housing and climate crises. 

Greens MP Sue Higginson, Member of the Legislative Council, said: "Wollongong and the Illawarra is on the frontline of the biggest challenges and opportunities that NSW faces, and the Illawarra Greens are ready to tackle the big issues without the baggage of vested interests.

"Local Government and councillors are the driving engine and beating heart of our representative democratic institutions and elected Greens on Wollongong City Council have been fearless advocates for their communities and the environment.

"Housing, industrial and economic activity, and community amenities are just some of the issues where the Illawarra Greens have taken a leading role in working for the community.

"Wollongong will be well served by the election of Jess, Kit and Deidre. I cannot wait to see these new faces driving a positive agenda and taking a stand against vested interests, environmental destruction and decision making processes that fail to engage in genuine consultation processes.”

Jess, candidate for Lord Mayor and Ward 1 said: “I’m excited to be the Greens candidate for Lord Mayor at the September elections. I believe it's time for a fresh approach to how our council operates and what we, as a community, aim for.

“The Greens have big plans to push for more changes to increase affordable housing so our young people, key workers such as teachers, health care workers, paramedics, police officers, and the vulnerable can afford to live in our wonderful city. 

“We want to see better access and transport throughout the city with more footpath upgrades, pedestrian crossings and bike paths constructed so we put people first. We will ensure the first new skatepark built in 10 years is delivered as soon as possible, followed by the second and the third. This is what the community has been asking for for decades.

“This is just a few of the ideas the community has told us they want, but we know we need to do so much more to tackle urban heating, the transition to renewables and protecting our amazing escarpment, waterways and beaches as the effects of climate change intensifies. So we’ll be out talking to the people of Wollongong every day until 14 September to guide our progressive agenda for the next term of council.”

Kit, candidate for Ward 2, said Council can longer continue to think small when it comes to the future of our communities. “The potential of our city is endless and Council has the powers needed to secure a positive future for our community.

“I feel humbled that I will be the Greens candidate for Ward 2 at September's Local Government elections. I consider the opportunity to build on the achievements of our exceptional Greens Councillors Mithra & Cath.

“We need a fundamental shift in our Council’s approach to housing that puts the needs of the community before the interests of property developers. Council must do more to future proof our communities for the impacts of a changing climate including greater investment into Urban Greening projects to keep our communities and streets cool & leafy.

“The people of Wollongong deserve better access to transport alternatives. For too many residents across our suburbs, car dependency is far too common and our council must do more to ensure greater accessibility to active & public transport alternatives so everyone can enjoy our fantastic city.”

Deidre Stuart, Greens candidate for Ward 3, said: “I’m humbled to be the Greens lead candidate standing for Ward 3 in the Wollongong City Council elections in September 2024.  I am running as a candidate because I want to contribute to bringing residents together to work out ways to address problems we face as a community, and to bring more meaning, joy and connection into our collective lives.

“Our community faces some urgent problems, including climate change, and lack of affordable housing and rising living costs.

“To address climate change, our city needs to urgently transition from fossil-fuel to renewable energy sources and from wasteful to resource-conscious practices. We need to grow community resilience and capacities that will keep us all safe including our most disadvantaged residents, and support recovery.”

Media contact:
Jess Whittaker p:  0433 324 953 e:  Jess Whittaker