Almost 100 people signed a petition presented to Baw Baw Shire Councillors in early March asking that a footpath be established on the road between Davey Drive and Gould Street.

Responding to questions on notice from Chris and Yola Samplawski at last night’s council meeting, Baw Baw Shire CEO Helen Anstis said residents would have to wait five years to see the footpath constructed.

“The construction of footpath along Weebar Road is ranked 48 out of 128 projects currently listed on the Council’s footpath priority list,” Ms Anstis said.

“The combined estimated cost for completion of the 47 projects listed ahead of Weebar Road footpath is approximately $2 million.

“As such it is unlikely that the Weebar Road footpath will be completed within the next five years, subject to the availability of funds in future budgets adopted by the council.”

Mr Samplawski told the council in early April that there was “serious community concern” about there not being a footpath on the road.

“The residents feel themselves very lucky that they have not been in an accident on the road… however [it] is an accident waiting to happen,” Mr Samplawski said.

The road is used by milk tankers and Mr Samplawski said residents, including a visually impaired council worker, regularly have to walk on the road to get to Drouin’s CBD.

Mr Samplawski said there had been “considerable growth” in the use of the road by walkers and vehicles due to housing growth.

Ms Anstis said the council’s budgets and priorities are set out in the council’s new Draft Council Plan.

“Council’s Draft 2013/14 Budget and Draft Council Plan 2013/17 are available for public comment until Friday 24 May 2013,” Ms Anstis said.

“A submission from members of the public on matters such as this and other works are encouraged to be lodged so as to assist the Council make informed decisions.”