The Stop the Hub Community Group petition signed by more than 10,000 residents was debated in Parliament last Thursday by Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson and Kiama MP Gareth Ward.

Although Ms Watson reiterated her stance that the matter should be confined to local government, she then challenged Mr Ward to introduce a private member's bill, giving the petition legislative effect to be voted on by government and Parliament.

Ms Watson said the project was formerly strongly endorsed by Shellharbour councillor Kellie Marsh, who was now in opposition to the development.

"The Member for Kiama and the Liberal Party in Shellharbour City have been desperate ever since to airbrush Cr Marsh's key involvement in this project," she said.

Mr Ward tore up his speech, and slammed Ms Watson for failing to "stand up" to her Labor colleagues on a council made up of "more Labor lap-dogs than Buckingham Palace has miniature Welsh corgis".

"I make it very clear that I oppose the Shellharbour City Hub project," he said.

"Shellharbour City Council is proposing a 40 per cent increase in rates over four years.

"At the same time, it is engaging in what I believe to be an egregious abuse of public policy without consultation.

"The community have never been asked if they want this hub or not, when this is the largest capital project ever to be undertaken by this council," Mr Ward said.