THE Greens have launched their campaign for the Wollongong City Council elections in September, announcing former Bulli High School student Jess Whittaker as their candidate for Lord Mayor and as their Ward One representative.

Ms Whittaker, a 42-year-old paramedic, will stand after sitting Ward One Greens councillor Mithra Cox announced that she will retire at the September 2024 local government election.

Cr Cox was elected to Ward One, representing the northern Illawarra, almost seven years ago. Announcing her intention to retire, Cr Cox said the time was right to make way for new, community minded Greens councillors.

Ms Whittaker, who unsuccessfully had a tilt at the Council elections for Ward Three in 2021, lives in Port Kembla with her husband, Steve and two children.  

“I grew up in Bulli. I studied at Bulli High School and completed a Bachelor of Science at University of Wollongong,” she said.

“I lived in the northern suburbs as a renter until around seven years ago then we purchased a home in Port Kembla.”

Ms Whittaker said she is excited to be the Greens candidate 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,” she said.

“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 skate park 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 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.”

Also retiring at the September elections will be Ward Two Greens councillor Cath Blakey. Cr Blakey will retire to make way for Kit Docker. 

“I consider the opportunity to build on the achievements of our exceptional Greens Councillors Mithra and Cath,” Ms Docker said,

“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 and leafy.”

State Greens MP, Sue Higginson, MLC, said Illawarra is on the frontline of the biggest challenges and opportunities that NSW faces, and her party are ready to tackle the big issues without the baggage of vested interests.

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