The Port Macquarie Better Orbital Options Alliance is seriously considering a petition to the state government as a next step.

About two hours of discussion at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's June 19 meeting culminated in move to develop a strategic business case for all orbital road options.

The proposed east-west link, strongly opposed by the majority of the community, remains on the table.

Phil Lloyd from the Sanctuary Springs-Greenmeadows Action Group said he was offended that the majority of councillors had not really listened to the public engagement.

"This current route they have got has not a hope of getting up," he said.

Mr Lloyd said the stress had impacted residents.

"We are in limbo for at least another two years, and even then we might be put further in limbo if they still decide to push ahead," he said.

Lake Innes Orbital Road Action Group's Lindsay Moller said he felt disheartened and numb after the process so far.

"I have little faith in the process that council is taking and has taken so far," he said.

Mr Moller said the implication of the council's decision was two years of further pain and suffering, both financially and emotionally.

Save Fernhill organiser Grant Mitchell said Fernhill residents were in shell shock.

He said the majority of councillors hadn't listened to the concerns raised by the majority of residents.

The airport access road will be separated from orbital road project investigations and the council will progress planning for a flood-free primary airport access road as a stand-alone priority.

"We are also totally in the dark about why the proposed new airport road is being separated from the orbital road project," Mr Mitchell said.

The former Member of Parliament and Hastings resident of 25 years, John Tingle, believes the council should organise a community meeting during which the majority can have their say.

"The expressed majority opinion must prevail," he said.

"The council must do it again and get it right."

Mayor Peta Pinson's bid to take the current proposed viable route off the table failed to win favour with the majority of councillors.

Instead, progressing to a strategic business case with all options in play was supported by all councillors except except Lee Dixon, Sharon Griffiths and Peta Pinson.

In response to the likelihood of an alliance-initiated petition, Cr Pinson said as free citizens of our community, she acknowledged they felt so strongly about this matter.

"If that's what they feel they need to do next, I respect their views," she said.

Speakers' criticisms included the council's community consultation.

Cr Pinson told the Port News there was a lot of learning from the process to date.

"The positive is through the learning, improvements are made," she said.

"Council has a real opportunity in front of it now to learn from the engagement process and how we can improve on that into the future."

The proposed orbital road planning responds to traffic congestion and the need to provide a flood-free connection to the airport.

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