The NSW Government today fulfilled another election promise, restoring democracy to The Illawarra by reinstating local government elections for Wollongong City Council and Shellharbour City Council.

Local Government Minister Don Page said eligible voters in the two local government areas will head to the polls on September 3 to elect councillors for the first time since the Councils were sacked by Labor three years ago.

Initially, there will be a one-off, five-year term in Wollongong and Shellharbour to avoid the costly exercise of another election when local government elections are due in 2012.

``This legislation means democracy will finally be restored to Wollongong and Shellharbour City Councils, something which the Liberal and Nationals promised before the State Election,’’ Mr Page said.

``There is no more fundamental issue for local residents than the right to elect those who govern them.

Mr Page said the legislation ensures several changes to ward boundaries and councillor numbers for the two Councils.

``The Government has reduced the number of wards in Wollongong City Council from six to three. Ratepayers will elect four councillors in each ward, and their Mayor.

``The community will also be able to have their say on the new ward boundaries when they are placed on public exhibition in the near future.

``The changes passed today recognise the significance of the Wollongong City local government area for the entire region.

``The geographical size and population of the Shellharbour City Council area is more suited to having no wards, therefore the Government has abolished the existing ward structure and reduced the number of councillors from 13 to 7.

``Shellharbour ratepayers will now elect seven councilors, who will then elect the Mayor.