Wollongong Mayor Gordon Bradbery wins third term after announcing retirement ahead of 2024

Incumbent Wollongong mayor Gordon Bradbery has held off a challenge from Labor rival Tania Brown to win his third term in office, days after revealing retirement plans.

Wollongong Mayor Gordon Bradbery has held off fierce competition from Labor’s Tania Brown to secure a third term in the city’s top job.

Mr Bradbery led by 2311 first-preference ballots before Liberal preferences helped him over the line with 51.38 per cent of the votes to Brown’s 48.62.

The 70-year-old recently passed a decade in office and a third mayoral victory will take him to the 2024 election where he indicated in a radio interview on Friday that he would retire.

The comments drew the ire of his Labor rival who felt his “semi-retirement planning” should have been disclosed before votes were cast.

“I think if that’s your intention you should be a bit more transparent,” Ms Brown said.

“If you are planning your next move, you’re not focusing on the job at hand.

“Given his phase of life it’s probably fair enough, he’s said publicly he’s looking forward to spending his super. He could have declared that before people went to the polls.”

Wollongong Mayor Gordon Bradbery secured a third term after edging out Labor candidate Tania Brown. Picture: Facebook

However, Mr Bradbery dismissed Ms Brown’s assertions

“I plan to give my 100 per cent effort to the task,” the incumbent declared.

“I will not be standing for the next election, I was asked a question (in the radio interview) and I was just being honest. That does not mean to say I am not committed to the task.

“I want to give 100 per cent (at this job) and that’s why I will be retiring at the next election.

“I am not sure what she is banging on about.”

Ms Brown said she intends on putting her hand up for the next election if she was supported by her branch members and while Mr Bradbery feels his political career will be finished, he said he could still be persuaded to contest the 2024 vote.

“I would have to be convinced it would be worthwhile,” he said.

“The community would need to indicate it wants me again and would be prepared to back me.

“Practically the city needs a full-time mayor to give 100 per cent and at 73-years-of-age (in 2024) I would consider myself in some respects past my prime.”

Wollongong councillor Tania Brown during the campaign with Labor's federal Fowler candidate and former NSW Premier Kristina Keneally. Picture: Facebook

The Shellharbour mayoralty was confirmed by the NSW Electoral Commission, with Independent Chris Homer unseating seasoned Labor incumbent Marianne Saliba by 2595 votes.

The two Illawarra LGAs have had an at times testy relationship in recent years, but Mr Bradbery said he was optimistic of a positive relationship with his southern counterpart.

“I think it is like everything, don’t assume the incumbent is naturally going to get across the line. (Ms Saliba) perhaps assumed she was more popular than she turned out to be.

“From my perspective, I am hopeful it will be a great relationship with the Independent. I will look to give him all the encouragement and support he needs.”

The make-up of both councils will be finalised on Wednesday.