A petition with signatures representing 39 properties requesting Warrnambool City Council establish a second entry/exit road to Huntingfield Drive was tabled at a meeting this week. 

The petition comes as an adjoining 10.72-acre parcel of land with a planning permit for 35 residential lots is on the market.

The petition letter says most residents in the area only became aware of the new development when real estate signs were erected.

“All roads in the new development lead out onto Huntingfield Drive meaning the only way in or out is via Mahoneys Road,” it says.

“With this new development there are 35 new homes to be built and if each household has two cars this conservatively means that everyday 70 more vehicles in the morning and 70 in the evening will be travelling along Huntingfield Drive. Having just one way out for all the old and new residents brings so many hazards and inconveniences.”

The petition says all emergency vehicles will have to enter via Mahoneys Road.

“If there was a fire there is only that one option,” the petition states. “This could be potentially a devastating situation.”

The petition was forwarded to the CFA, Ambulance Victoria, Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell and the planning minister.

“This is to ensure that if in the future any resident’s life or property is compromised by the lack of a second access road we know we have alerted all the appropriate authorities of our concerns,” it says. 

At the meeting councillor Peter Hulin asked if it was unusual to only have one road in and out of a large estate.

Chief executive officer Bruce Anson said it was not going to be easy for a solution to be found.

“The permit has been issued for the development to proceed. It's a complex matter,” he said.  

A council report said a response letter had been sent to each of the represented properties to inform them of the process to receive a petition.

In accordance with local laws the petition was received, and referred to the chief executive for consideration and response.