Local government elections will be held on September 14, 2024.

As part of our series featuring Shellharbour's candidates for mayor, Labor councillor Rob Petreski answers questions.

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

I'm a proud local dad of four beautiful kids, who were born and raised in Shellharbour and inspire me every day. As a passionate sports coach, dedicated volunteer, and lifelong Illawarra resident, I have deep roots in our community.

Having lived in Shellharbour for over 35 years, I grew up in modest circumstances, with my father working at the Port Kembla steelworks and my mother in local clothing factories. This upbringing gives me a deep understanding of the needs of local families.

As a lifelong learner, I'm an Honours-qualified technology teacher and skilled tradie. I've won awards like the Apprentice of the Year and an Australian World Skills Gold Medal, even ranking 4th in the world at the International Trade Skill Olympics. I've also run my own small business, employing and training local tradespeople.

I know our community, I serve our community, and I’m ready to lead our community.

Why are you the best person to be Shellharbour's mayor?

Community-minded, solutions-focused, and outcomes-driven — this is not just a tagline, but the core of my philosophy and commitment to this role. My greatest strengths are listening to our residents, understanding their needs, and advocating on their behalf.

Leading our Council requires a diverse range of knowledge, skills, and experience, and I’m ready to guide our city to reach its full potential. With real world experience in both the public and private sectors, I understand how both operate and will fight for our residents to secure our fair share of funding and resources. I’m determined to be a strong, yet empathetic voice for Shellharbour, bringing fresh new energy to this role.

There is no shortcut to leadership, it comes with experience, and after serving two consecutive terms on Council since 2017, including Deputy Mayor, I’m ready to lead our city into a bright and vibrant future. I believe Shellharbour is a wonderful place to live, and it would be an honour to serve our city as Mayor.

What would be your top priorities if elected to the city’s top job?

My priorities are to listen to residents, deliver quality services with sound financial management, and manage the diverse infrastructure needs of our growing city, all while preserving our quality of life. Some of my top priorities include:

• Restoring the long-awaited annual free bulky waste pick-up for residents.

• Increasing the pension rebate to provide cost-of-living relief for our most vulnerable.

• Completing the Tripoli Way Bypass Project, ending years of delay and buck-passing.

• Keeping parking free so residents can live and work locally without extra costs.

• Investing in our suburbs by revitalising town centres, parks, and playgrounds.

• Repairing roads and footpaths, clearing creeks and drains to reduce flood risk.

• Creating more local jobs and apprenticeships, improving services, and seizing local

  opportunities.

• Expanding affordable housing options for young people, families, and local workers.

• Ensuring good governance and transparent processes.

If you could deliver one key project in your first term, what would it be?

The Tripoli Way Extension Project! This long-overdue road bypass will help remove the current traffic bottleneck that is holding our residents back and choking the small business trade along Tongarra Road. I will utilise every means available to deliver this key piece of infrastructure delivering the best outcome in the most timely and efficient way, unlocking our city’s potential.

This project has been used as a political football by too many... It’s time for the buck passing to stop and the construction work to begin!

Why do you want the job?

For me, this isn’t just a job — it’s a calling.

Since being first elected in 2017, I’ve thrived as a Councillor and now see this opportunity as a way to repay the trust our community has placed in me. Residents have made it clear they want ethical leadership, responsible service delivery and financial management, by a transparent, people-focused council.

As Mayor, I’ll be a strong advocate for Shellharbour, bringing ethical leadership that prioritises objectivity, accountability, transparency, and integrity. This is both my pledge and my duty.