Renewed Call for Reliable Access Route for Waterfall Way
Published on 19 May 2025
With a third major landslip in two months, Bellingen Shire Council is ramping up its call for urgent action on a viable alternative route for Waterfall Way, following the most recent road closure that once again cut off Dorrigo and surrounding Plateau communities.
Mayor Cr. Steve Allan says the continued isolation of the region is unacceptable and is calling on both State and Federal governments to partner with Council on a long-term solution.
“I realise how difficult the recurrent closures of Waterfall Way are for our community,” said Mayor Cr Allan.
“I have been in contact with Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison MP today to advocate for the absolute need for a safe alternate route. Pleasingly, she has offered to contact the federal Roads Minister, Catherine King, to discuss this further.”
Mayor Cr Allan also confirmed discussions with Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, to explore options for Disaster Recovery assistance that could help fund upgrades to local roads like Summervilles and Gordonville Roads — currently used as informal detours during closures.
“Summervilles and Gordonville Roads have been heavily relied upon during this recent event, but they are simply not built for high volumes of through traffic,” he said. “These roads are narrow, partially unsealed and quickly deteriorate under pressure. Overuse risks further closures and poses a hazard to local residents and emergency services.”
The recent weather event is the third time since March that a landslip has closed Waterfall Way, highlighting the fragility of the region’s transport network in the face of increasing extreme weather events.
Photo: Excavation team at the Gordonville Crossing landslip site - May 2025
Each closure significantly impacts the community, cutting off access for residents, businesses, and emergency services.
“We need the State and Federal governments to come together with Council to address the alternate routes,” said Mayor Cr Allan.’
“Our community deserves reliable access to emergency services, our businesses and farmers need access to markets and suppliers, and our residents need access to and from work, school and services.”
Bellingen Shire Council has been actively advocating for a long-term solution for several years. In March, Minister Aitchison visited the Newell Falls landslip site with Council and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to witness firsthand the scale of the issue following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.’’
Photo: Transport for NSW Staff escort Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP and Michael Kemp MP to the slip on Newell Falls accompanied by Bellingen Shire Council's Acting General Manager Todd Williams and Deputy General Manager of Operations Ashley Greenwood - March 2025
Most recently, Mayor Cr. Steve Allan and Council’s General Manager, Mark Griffioen, travelled to Sydney to meet with key Ministers, including Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig, Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin, and Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison MP, where they again pressed the case for alternate access and greater investment in infrastructure resilience.
Bellingen Shire Mayor Cr. Steve Allan & Port Macquarie Hasting Mayor Cr. Adam Roberts meet with Hon. Minister Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport, Roads and Small Business - May 2025
Council acknowledges the ongoing support of Transport for NSW in managing slip responses and prioritising safety when these hazards arise, however Mayor Cr Allan says it is no longer enough, the need for a more permanent solution is paramount for our Shire local’s livelihood:
“We need a safe, reliable detour route that can withstand severe weather events and provide ongoing access to the Plateau. This is not just about convenience — it’s about community safety, wellbeing, and long-term resilience.”
Council will continue to advocate on behalf of residents to ensure Dorrigo and surrounding villages are no longer left vulnerable by a single road link.