Journalist Brian Kelly interviews Dom Figliomeni, an independent councillor for Ward 3, which covers the southern suburbs of Wollongong
With decades of experience running port authorities around Australia, it’s fair to say Dom Figliomeni knows better than most the business of getting stuff shipped in and out of the country.
“I’ve been exposed to it,” is his understated acknowledgement. Despite retiring as Port Kembla’s port authority CEO six years ago, he likes to maintain a view of the many pots simmering dockside: “It’s one of those things – the port gets in your blood; I keep an eye on it but I keep out.”
The son of Italian immigrants, raised in the farming country of Harvey in Western Australia, Figliomeni has been lending his sense of pragmatism to Ward 3 matters on Wollongong Council since 2017, unencumbered by political parties, and he credits the city’s attraction and appeal among reasons he and his NSW wife have not returned to the west since settling here in 2005.
There has been plenty to get on with – representing council on a transport lobby group, volunteering in Samoa, being a super fund trustee until last December. He craves freeing more time to enjoy the small farm he has near Braidwood when life isn’t so crammed with meetings and video calls.
Maritime-related metaphors, fittingly, flow easily when he ponders why he became a councillor. “I have the view that you can’t complain unless you’re prepared to put your foot in the water,” he says.
Recent news of proposed ocean wind farms possibly being built and serviced from Port Kembla has excited politicians of many stripes in the area, but Figliomeni says he’ll believe it when he sees it.
“It would be great to see it happen – I don’t regard it as an eyesore – but it’s a big, big cost,” he says. “Work in anything offshore is not cheap. The economics would be a key factor.”
He’s no fan of party politics playing a role in local government, preferring the West Australian approach whereby candidates run as individuals and must outline what they stand for particularly.
“I’ve never been a member of any party – even though I have been a union representative in WA and in Darwin,” he said. “All of the local issues – dogs, potholes on roads, tree management – it’s got nothing to do with party politics.”
Figliomeni is thankful that council is moving forward with a Hill 60 masterplan: “I think we have a superb asset there, which is the World War II tunnels, and it’s such a beautiful location.
“I was there two years ago, and there was a Chinese tourist guide who was astounded that council did not do something with the place. He brings his visitors to have a look – because it’s got a 360-degree view of the site.
“You’ve got the Ngaraba-aan Cultural Trail, the Aboriginal trail, three beautiful beaches – it’s just got such huge potential, but it’s taking forever to get things done.”
Figliomeni recognises he’s one of the few councillors who supports siting of nuclear submarines at Port Kembla. “I’m a full supporter of that because I think of what it will bring to the community, which is jobs, economic growth, diversity of employment – the pros are significant.
“It’s not a nuclear industry – that’s the misnomer. The concerned people say, ‘oh, if you have nuclear subs, you’ll be more susceptible to attack.’ Well, the steelworks is probably more so … and if you’re in a war situation – hopefully we never will be – I’d have huge worries if the subs were in port. They should be out at sea – they would be safer there.
“But if you’ve got a steelworks here, you’ll be a target – that’s just a fact of life. So the risk is there regardless. But of course, the decision will not come down to Wollongong Council.”
Q&A with Dom Figliomeni
Which accomplishment as a councillor has brought you most satisfaction?
In my early days as a councillor I noted that a Cringila Hills master plan had been prepared some 10 years prior but no work had commenced and no funds had been allocated. I put forward a council motion seeking approval for funding so the project could commence.
I also put motions forward for preparation of a masterplan for Berkeley boat harbour, progress on Hill 60 master plan, plus many others.
Which council ambition/project was your 'one that got away'?
Progress on Hill 60 including the tunnels is still work in progress, as is completion of the cycle track around the lake and a masterplan for land on King Street opposite Harvey Norman and owned by NSW Govt Property Office so that funds generated can be hypothecated towards the management of Lake Illawarra.
How important are neighbourhood forums?
I attend most Forum 7 and 8 meetings and miss them only when there is a conflict in times. These forums are managed by great convenors and secretaries but community attendance is poor. Community forums are important but the focus must stay on matters within council’s remit to deliver, and discussions are constructive.
Where should council's priorities lie over the next five years?
I have on occasions been the sole voice against some Council decisions as I felt that money was not efficiently spent and decisions were driven by a vocal minority. As well as day-to-day activities, priority should be in repairing the damage caused by the recent weather events, provision of community facilities in growth areas such as West Dapto, and ensuring that economic activity is not stifled for job creation.
What's your favourite Illawarra beach?
Goes without saying, but it’s Port Kembla and MM beaches, with Fisho’s Beach a close second. They are great clean beaches. Port Kembla has great facilities – the soon-to-be Port Kembla Surf Club cafe and Rachel’s on Military Road will be great additions for locals and tourism.
