While some are confident loyal customers will stand by them and that the supermarkets might bring more people into town, others fear Woolworths and Aldi will drive out the little guys.

Cash-strapped consumers looking for convenience, savings and variety are likely to welcome the proposals.

Consumers deserve a choice on where to shop for groceries close to home, particularly given the recent growth in the northern suburbs.

If consumers want to see their main streets and humble family businesses survive the added competition, they will need to vote with their wallets and support the small businesses.

As consumer organisation Choice points out, shoppers need to use them or lose them.

Neither the Woolworths or Aldi plans have been approved by Wollongong City Council yet, so there is still time to be heard.

And another thing ...

Another busy weekend on Illawarra roads has been marred by a serious motorcycle accident. Police have renewed their plea for riders to take care, particularly on the dangerous downhill stretch near Bald Hill. Hopefully riders will heed the warning.