But when the cost of that progress comes at the expense of safe access to your home, then questions are raised.

“The road is dangerous, unsafe and damaging to resident’s vehicles … I have no idea why council thinks the road is safe,” South Arm resident Amanda Oliver said.

“I’d like them to come and take a drive in their own personal vehicle, not an eight-wheel work vehicle or a four-wheel-drive, on a wet day or at night … if it’s so safe, why was the speed limit, which used to be unlimited, dropped down to 40km/h?”

Passing the buck is an oft used term and, sadly for South Arm residents, one that perfectly describes their frustrations.

After months of complaints – contacting council, Roads and Maritime Service and Lend Lease – with little feedback let alone a solution, the outraged locals have become desperate for someone to heed their concerns.

The untenable situation for South Arm residents began after the construction tender for the Nambucca Heads to Urunga Pacific Highway upgrade was awarded. 

Successful tenderer Lend Lease advised council they would use South Arm Rd and that this would result in a greater traffic volume, particularly of heavy vehicles.

Since this additional vehicular load was anticipated before the bypass upgrade began, council, RMS and Lend Lease, carried out a joint inspection to benchmark South Arm Rd.

Though RMS has not released the original road assessment, the Courier-Sun understands that in a private email Lend Lease states: “this assessment ascertained that South Arm Rd was in ‘poor condition’ before [bypass] construction commenced”.

Roads and Maritime Services said they’ve been closely monitoring and fixing the road when needed. 

“Roads and Maritime Services understand South Arm Rd is an important route for local residents and motorists,” an RMS spokesperson said.

“While work is carried out to upgrade the highway, regular inspections and activities such as repairing pot holes to ensure the road is in a safe condition, are being carried out.

“Roads and Maritime will continue to work closely with Bellingen Shire Council over the maintenance of South Arm Rd throughout the life of the upgrade. Once the upgrade is complete any repairs will be carried out as required.”

However, after being in the area for more than a decade, Ms Oliver said she disputes assertions the road is being maintained and she is appalled no one is prepared to accept responsibility for the road’s disintegration.

“At the moment no one is accountable for the road,” she said.

“While Lend Lease claim they are conducting weekly assessment and repairs on the road, our cars say otherwise.

“Recently, I put in a claim for a damaged windscreen but this was rejected by Lend Lease. They said I couldn’t prove it was debris from South Arm Rd that caused the damage. 

“I want claims compensated and not rejected – are there alternative roads that Lend Lease traffic could now use down the side of South Arm Rd instead?”

Wading into the debate is council’s general manager Liz Jeremy.

Aware of the looming backlash from residents, and as the road authority for South Arm Rd, Ms Jeremy said she’s requested an urgent assessment to address the current state of the road.

“A joint inspection (by RMS and Lend Lease) will be undertaken shortly in an endeavour to address the adequacy of maintenance being undertaken as well as construction traffic speeds, and use of temporary warning signs,” she said.

“Following the completion of this section of the Pacific Highway upgrade, and there being no further construction vehicle impact on South Arm Road, Lend Lease is required to carry out repair work to ensure South Arm Rd is returned to the council in a suitable condition.”  

The $780 million Nambucca Heads to Urunga Pacific Highway upgrade is scheduled for completion by mid-2016.

After which time Ms Jeremy said: “Council will consider future improvement plans for the road as funding becomes available.”