Meet independent Wollongong lord mayoral candidate, Ryan Morris

There’s a simple reason Ryan Morris entered the race for Wollongong Lord Mayor – he doesn’t like being the type of person who complains.

“I saw the way people were being treated with submissions and projects that have taken way too long,” he said.

“Instead of being someone who complained about it I wanted to put my hand up to be a part of council, to figure out why it is the way it is and see if I can help.”

The September local government elections are Ryan’s first foray into politics.

After a 20-year career in the armed forces he set out as a sole trader in urban access and rescue.

He and his wife moved to Wollongong for work opportunities, and are now raising their young children here.

“We didn’t know we were going to stay but we fell in love with the place and set down roots,” he said.

“It’s an amazing city, an absolute jewel that not enough people recognise, which is a blessing and a burden.”

If elected, Ryan said his priorities were speeding up the completion of projects already underway and improving maintenance across the city.

“I’d like to see Wollongong repaired and maintained,” he said.

“I don’t think we need new projects that cost more and more money, I’d rather see everything we have running smoothly.”

He said the Helensburgh mountain bike park and Sandon Point were two projects he’d like to see completed.

Ryan also wants the council to invest more in repairs and management of natural disasters, especially floods.

“The current council has put a lot of effort into the waterway repairs after the floods and done well getting that underway,” he said.

“But they’ve missed the mark in other key areas, like drainage systems.”

He’d also like to see faster movement on a skate park for the northern suburbs, and more community consultation.

Ryan said he was keen to be part of a collaborative, diverse council.

His decision to run as an independent was a reflection of those values.

“Being local council, I think running as an independent is the best way to go,” he said.

“This way I’m not part of party politics and can stay true to what I believe, and hopefully other people agree with me.

“I think it’s a positive we’ve had an independent mayor for such a long time and I hope that continues.

“I think people want to see something positive, so collaboration is important. I’ve reached out to other candidates, including Tania Brown and we’ve had some very good conversations.

“We have issues we align on and where we can work together.”

When he’s not at work or running for Lord Mayor, Ryan said most of his free time was spent with his young family enjoying the outdoors.