We in the northern suburbs have a unique and enviable piece of coast.

I find it much more down to earth and user friendly than the beaches north of Sydney.

However, the ongoing resistance to change from some of my 'neighbours' has got to change. The kerfuffle over a KFC that wouldn't really impact many residents at all, and incrementally, likely none, is another sign of ongoing simple mindedness.

You only need to see the patronage that new venues are getting in the north to see the majority of people are pro development and progress.

The new Headlands hotel is packed every night.

On the flip side, I'm embarrassed to tell my visitors that places like Scarborough hotel have to shut at 5pm because of licensing restrictions.

If we want to see the area move forward, we need to open our minds and join the 21st century.

Zlatko Todorcevski, Wombarra

I write in response to G Mercieca's letter.

I thank G Mercieca for his support of my efforts to secure road funding for this region. Whilst we have seen years of "talk" in relation to major Illawarra roads projects, locals only need drive the Princes Highway to see the major progress being made.

The Albion Park Rail bypass represents the largest-ever election commitment in the history of the Illawarra and like other road projects I have promised, I will also deliver this project.

As a result of feedback from community consultation, we are making changes that reflect community feedback.

Whilst this has delayed the planning phase, the construction timetable we announced at the election has not changed.

In relation o the Princes Highway upgrade between Berry and Bomaderry, I have secured funding in this budget to continue with property acquisition and pre-construction - the Albion Park Rail bypass project remains on track to start in the 2018/19 financial year as we committed at the election.

Sadly, Labor not only ignored the project in Government, Illawarra Labor MPs voted against the means of funding this project in Parliament, preferring the funds to go to Sydney roads.

I'm proud to have convinced the NSW Government that it's time to fund the Albion Park Rail Bypass and I look forward to the property acquisition and planning stages concluding so we can get on with it and provide the relief to traffic congestion locals deserve.

Gareth Ward MP, Member for Kiama

The introduction of the “pub test” to determine the innocence or guilt of politicians is certainly on the increase and is causing uncontrollable levels of salivation by those eager to bring down the current Federal Government.

However, what is this “pub test”?  If one sought an opinion from the patrons of ten different pubs in ten different demographic or socio-economic locations the resulting views would vary greatly.

Then - if someone was publicly discredited because they failed the “pub test”, it would have to be far more appropriate to state they were found guilty by a “kangaroo court”.

It’s always great fun to see politicians from political parties you don’t like squirm but it should never be forgotten that “what goes around comes around” and whilst we are playing these little games the country is going backwards.

Richard Burnett, Wollongong