Disaster and Emergency Information
The Bellingen Shire Council Disaster and Emergency Information webpage aims to assist in connecting community members with information and support services throughout the various stages of a disaster.
Council updates will be provided on this page. However, for live updates from emergency response agencies during a disaster, please access this through the respective agency's channel.
Dorrigo Mountain is Now Open to Traffic
UPDATE 1635hrs 13 March 2025
The scaling works on the slip at Newell Falls have been completed, and the road is now open to the public.
Important Update: Concrete barriers remain around the falls area to allow further remediation work, including nailing the rock face and spraying concrete. As a result, the rest area at Newell Falls will be temporarily closed for safety precautions.
A huge thank you to the dedicated Council and Transport for NSW crews who have been working tirelessly—some on-site since last week—to complete this work as swiftly and safely as possible.
We appreciate your patience during this time. Please drive with caution as we continue restoring the Shire’s road network. Follow the directions of Council staff and temporary road signs to ensure everyone’s safety.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Road Closures & Updates
Road Status Update:
- Deervale Rd – Closed until further notice.
- Johnsens Rd – Closed. Temporary access planned. Further investigation required.
- Tyringham Rd – Closed. in both directions. Works in progress, essential travel only.
- Coramba Rd – Open with shoulder closed. Exercise caution.
- McKays Rd – Single lane open. Clean-up planned.
Please note: This is not comprehensive list of road updates for the Shire. Staff are maintaining updates on road and bridge closures on LiveTraffic as the information is received, and should be checked before planning your trip.
We are asking residents to exercise caution while driving, never drive through floodwaters and follow directions from Council staff and signage for your own safety.
Green Waste Disposal Support
Bellingen Shire Council is providing additional green waste disposal support to assist residents in cleaning up storm debris following the impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Starting from Saturday, 15 March, residents who present their Waste Management Card will have access to a one-time green waste voucher allowing for free disposal of up to 250kg of storm-generated green waste. This initiative will run for one month, concluding on Sunday, 13 April.
How to Access Your Voucher:
- Bring your load of green waste to either the Dorrigo or Raleigh waste facilities.
- Present your Waste Management Card to staff upon arrival.
- You will be directed to the designated green waste disposal area.
Requirement for use:
- This voucher allows free disposal of green waste only, up to 250Kg which is approximately one level 6x4 trailer load. Loads exceeding this may incur charges and no other waste types will be accepted under this voucher.
- To ensure that the load will be accepted residents must present their Waste Management Card on entry to the waste facility.
- Where the waste management card is not presented to staff on entry, disposal costs will be charged.
- This voucher is single use only and multiple loads cannot be dropped off under this voucher entitlement.
- If you have not received or have lost the waste management card a replacement card will need to be obtained prior to disposal. This can be requested by completing the waste replacement replacement declaration form(PDF, 823KB) on the council website and submitting to council via email to council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au. This form must be completed by the owner of the property in order to be processed.
Please note: Your waste facility card is essential to access this service.
This initiative is part of Council’s ongoing recovery efforts to support the community following the severe weather event. Residents are encouraged to make use of the program within the timeframe to ensure effective and timely cleanup of fallen trees and branches on their properties.
For further information on Waste Management Cards, please click here.
Recovery Support
Get the latest information on recovery support for those who have been impacted by floods and storms caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Council Services
UPDATED: MONDAY 10 MARCH 2025
Bellingen Shire Council can provide the following update on services that have been impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Council staff are working to establish all community services and facilities as flooding impacts ease. Any remaining critical closures will be communicated through our website and through social media channels.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed, follow emergency updates, and take necessary precautions.
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Bellingen Shire Council administration office and customer service centre
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To re-open on Tuesday 11 March
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Bellingen, Dorrigo and Urunga Libraries
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To re-open on Tuesday 11 March
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Visitor Information Centres
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To re-open on Tuesday 11 March
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To re-open on Tuesday 11 March
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Facility will remain closed until further notice
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Rubbish, recycling and organic wheelie bin collection
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Waste collection for the Thora and Dorrigo areas will be re-scheduled to take place on Thursday 13 March 2025. Please have your bins out and ready for collection.
Other kerbside wheelie bin collections continue as scheduled.
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Council has rescheduled the Bulky Goods collection for Zone 2 (southern Raleigh, Yellow Rock, Newry Island, Bellinger Keys, and South Arm Road) to commence on Monday, 17 March 2025.
Zone 3 - will commence as per schedule however may be delayed slightly due to the weather event.
Please ensure your bulky good materials are kerbside ready for collection as per the current schedule.
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The Facility will reopen Wednesday 12 March 2025. Returning to regular operational hours.
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The facility will reopen Friday 14 March 2025. Returning to regular operational hours.
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The Facility will reopen Wednesday 12 March 2025. Returning to regular operational hours
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Bellingen Transfer Station
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The Facility will reopen Wednesday 12 March 2025. Returning to regular operational hours.
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Return to scheduled activities from Tuesday 11 March 2025
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Beaches and Rivers closed to remain swimming and recreational activity
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Lavenders Bridge - Re-opened
UPDATED 1243hrs - 10 March 2025
Lavenders Bridge is now OPEN following a fantastic team effort to get it ready as soon as possible. A huge thank you to the Bellingen Town Fire crew for their assistance in cleaning off the deck in preparation for reopening—your support is truly appreciated!
While access is restored, please continue to drive with caution, as conditions may still be changing.
Never drive, walk, or ride through floodwaters.
Be mindful of potential hazards like erosion and pavement damage.
Follow all signage and instructions from Council and emergency services.
Thanks to everyone for their patience and to all involved in the recovery efforts! Stay safe on the roads.
Stages of a disaster
Council has collated information relating to each stage of a disaster, including key contacts and resources. Use the links below to navigate to the relevant information and resources based on the stage of the emergency.
Our role during a disaster
Emergencies or declared disaster events are controlled by either a Combat Agency or an Emergency Operations Controller (if requested by a Combat Agency or a Combat Agency is not specified). The Combat Agency will vary, depending on the type of emergency.
The following is a summary of potential types of emergencies which may affect out community and the identified lead Combat Agency.
Whilst Bellingen Shire Council is not a lead Combat Agency, in a disaster or emergency event, as a member of the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) we work to:
- Advise of any interruptions to the services we provide, including the status of roads and bridges, water and waste services and more
- Restore any services which impact on the welfare and safety of our community in a timely manner
- Support emergency lead agencies and/or combat agencies in assisting our community.