The decision was pushed by Cr Dom Figliomeni during a discussion about an RMS offer to build the Yallah Road overpass worth at least $13 million in exchange for $3 million of council land.

While in favour of the deal, he criticised the decision not to offer Dapto residents southbound access to the Albion Park Rail Bypass.

RMS has opted not to build the interchange because the cost was deemed too high compared to the benefits.

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“Given that West Dapto and all of that area is a future growth area for Wollongong, a huge number of people are going to live there over the next 15-20 years,” Cr Figliomeni said.

“For this development not to provide a southbound ramp is very, very negative in its outlook.”

He incorrectly stated all southbound traffic would have to first head north to Northcliffe Drive – Dapto residents heading south will use the Princes Highway.

He called on council to write to RMS and encourage it to rethink its decision.

“I do think it is something that is future-proofing that area,” Cr Figliomeni said.

“Once that opportunity is lost, to then try and re-establish something in retrospect, I do believe it will be a big cost. Equally it will be one that will be continuously delayed and I think the future traffic implications would be quite significant.”