A long-running bid to build a new petrol station on Coburns Road was approved by Melton council last month.
Councillors voted to grant a planning permit for a service station at 136-144 Coburns Road during their Monday 15 December meeting, after an alternative motion presented by Cr Sophie Ramsey overturned an officer recommendation to refuse the proposal.
While council officers cited concerns about traffic safety, amenity impacts and strategic land use, councillors ultimately approved the development subject to more than 50 conditions.
Melton resident of 22 years Robyn Gourlay said she was shocked by the decision and feared the already-busy intersection would become even more dangerous.
“I can’t believe they approved it,” Ms Gourlay said.
“That’s the only place where I’ve ever felt unsafe. It’s a very busy place.
“I see that as a really dangerous place. I’ve had road rage committed against me at that intersection, and it got so bad that I had to drive to the police station.”
She said many locals she had spoken to opposed the development, questioning the need for another service station in the area.
“Everybody I talk to, they hate the idea. How many service stations do we need there?” she said.
Traffic safety was a key issue debated in council reports, with council’s traffic department initially opposing the proposal due to concerns about vehicle conflicts near the Coburns Road and Codman Drive intersection.
However, an independent traffic peer review found the risks could be managed through design changes and restrictions.
High fuel prices have been an ongoing issue for Melton residents.
Melton MP Steven McGhie said he was lobbying for lower fuel prices in the Melton area, but received little support for the notion from the Australians Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
“We’ve been trying to improve fuel prices in Melton for a number of years now,” he said.
“I tried to get the ACCC involved but they showed no interest apart from saying that we need to get an independent operator in Melton.”
