After all, for more than 20 years council has promised to improve access along flood-prone, single-lane Bong Bong Rd, yet residents are still waiting.

Only last week a car crash blocked traffic in both directions for three hours, forcing residents onto dangerous roads not designed for heavy traffic.

The pressure is on council and its administrators to finally deliver - and it seems the latest plan may do just that.

While there is no provision for a bridge over the railway line on Bong Bong Rd, nor the promised Fowlers Rd bridge, the plan not only delivers new bridge access but commits to upgrading trouble-prone connecting roads.

The total future cost of the project runs to about $78 million, a burden council cannot carry.

However, improving access in stages would mean that when the Local Environment Plan is approved later this year, developer contributions would help cover the cost.

The council is also calling on the State Government to fund a no-interest loan.

If the Government is truly interested in helping stimulate the Illawarra's economy through the trades industry, it surely must heed the council's call.