Three new liberal-endorsed candidates were  announced on Friday at Shellharbour’s Little Park. On hand to present the candidates was Minster for the Illawarra John Ajaka and the member for Kiama Gareth Ward. 

Twenty-six-year-old accountant Mark Jones will be contesting the seat for Shellharbour for his first official leap into politics.

Mr Jones said he would be lobbying for the $250-300million upgrade of Shellharbour Hospital, delivering the Albion Park Rail bypass, pushing for funds from the proposed long-term lease of NSW poles and wires for infrastructure and economic growth in the Shellharbour and Dapto area.

‘‘With my background as an accountant I have been working with a lot of small business in the area. I have a big passion for developing the economy and I want to drive growth in this electorate,’’ he said.

‘‘I’d also like to reduce levels of unemployment and see more opportunities for our young people.’’

Mr Jones said he would be working around-the-clock to prove himself to the people and win the seat which had been long-held by Labor.

‘‘I am basically going to be working day and night, now until forever to prove to the people of Shellharbour and Dapto and show them what to expect if they give me the honour to represent them.’’

Other liberal candidates announced on the day were Cameron Walters for Wollongong and Phillip Clifford for Keira. 

Contesting the seat of Shellharbour in the 2015 election will be the current Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson, preselected by  Labor  and Greens candidate Cr Peter Moran.