Last February a fire closed Wallcliffe Road, Prevelly’s sole access route, for a number of hours isolating residents west of Issac’s Ridge.

Residents not at home at the time of the fire became stranded at the Caves Road police block.

“It created a great deal of fear and inconvenience amongst people in this community,” Mr House said in March.

“I believe there is an opportunity for the government to provide the missing 1km link between Baudin Drive and Rainbow Cave Road at minimal expense.

This week Mr House said now he was back in government he would continue to campaign for a secondary road or an escape route.

“The issue remains and the same safety factors are involved,” he said.

“It’s something I’ll certainly be following up just to see if progress is being made.”

Augusta-Margaret River Shire Community Fire Manager Brendan Jordan admitted Prevelly’s evacuation plan relied on Wallcliffe Road being open.

“That decision (to evacuate) would have to be made early,” he said.

Augusta-Margaret River acting chief executive office Wayne Prangnell said there had been some discussion between the shire and the Department of Environment and Conservation but a number of factors needed to be considered for the road to materialise.

“What’s it going to cost?” he said.

“Whose’s going to maintain it?

“Where is it potentially going to go?”

“What sort of road is being sought?”

Mr Prangnell said wider fire breaks and an escape route could be considered but it was inevitable traffic would then use the road as a shortcut.

“It would then have to be high enough quality that people don’t get bogged,” he said.

“It would not be suitable being unsealed.”

If planning went ahead for a second road at Prevelly Mr Prangnell said questions may arise as to whether Gracetown and other isolated coastal settlements should be considered for secondary roads.

“Council is not planning anything at this stage but would be keen to be involved in discussions,” Mr Prangnell said.