Katelin McInerney is pledging to ensure Kiama’s infrastructure needs are met as part of her campaign to win the state seat at next month’s by-election.

McInerney will again stand as Labor's candidate for Kiama after getting the nod from Premier Chris Minns on Thursday.

She narrowly lost the 2023 election despite a swing of more than 11% against Gareth Ward, whose resignation after being convicted for sexual assault has triggered the 13 September poll for the state electorate.

McInerney, who grew up in Kiama, lives in the town with her partner Brian and their young son William.

One of her main focuses, if elected, would be on infrastructure in the electorate.

“We're not about building more houses without ensuring we've got the services and the infrastructure to back it up,” she said.

“That was what was missing under the previous government.

“We are an area that's growing. What we want is to ensure that the infrastructure and the services that families and our communities need is built alongside that.”

McInerney started her career as a local journalist and went on to become the first woman to lead the journalists’ union, the MEAA.

She also helped establish Women in Media, a mentoring and support network that connects women across the industry, tackles gender pay inequity and work to make workplaces safer and fairer for the next generation.

For the past two years, Katelin has worked for the region's peak body for community services and not-for-profit organisations.

A volunteer at Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club, she has also been a community advocate for the local live music scene through the Kiama Epicentre Association and Special Entertainment Precinct project.

“I feel incredibly humbled and incredibly honoured to be here announcing that I am running as the candidate for Labor for this upcoming by-election in the seat of Kiama,” she said.

“I'm going to be spending those four weeks come rain, hail or shine out in the community speaking to voters

“I was lucky enough to grow up in the most beautiful place in the world and I am absolutely biased about that.”

McInerney said she entered politics two years ago because she was concerned that future generations would not be able to afford to live in the area.

“In 2023, I put my hand up because of the wonderful upbringing that I had with access to a world-class public education system and a world-class health system, with my community around me, in a place that my mum and my dad - a teacher and a journalist - could afford to live and raise a family and work,” she explained.

“I was really worried that those were not the same opportunities that my son William, who is now five, wouldn't have the same opportunities as I had when I was growing up here.

“In 2023 we heard from people all the way from Albion Park right down to Bomaderry and North Nowra telling us that what they need in this region is access to services.

“And I'm so proud that a NSW Labor Government is delivering on Shellharbour Hospital, is delivering on the beautiful upgrade at Shoalhaven Hospital and is delivering on the basics as well. Making sure that our councils have the money they need to make sure we're safe on our roads, make sure that we're rebuilding our workforce in health and in education.

“We've invested in more than 200 teachers being made permanent in that time in this electorate which means we get to keep those wonderful educators in our schools, in front of our kids and as part of our community.”

McInerney admitted there was still a lot more work to do.

“We are not taking a single vote in this election for granted. I will be out speaking to anyone and everyone about what having a member of this NSW Labor Government could mean for the state of Kiama,” she said.

“What people in this electorate are telling me they want is someone who will listen and someone who will deliver on what we're asking for.

“And who's not going to stand out in front of them making pie in the sky promises, but is getting on with the work of delivering the essential services we need.

“Chris knows enough of my honesty and advocacy to know that I am not backwards in coming forward and it's time that Kiama did have that strong voice on the floor of Parliament.

“I grew up in Kiama and I love this community. I have been an advocate and a community campaigner for a long time. I am someone who is going to be a very strong voice on the floor of Parliament.”