By Michael Burt
Calls are mounting for a safe alternate route between Dorrigo and Coffs Harbour following another landslip closure on Waterfall Way west of Bellingen.
Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan has joined forces with Coffs Harbour Citty Council Mayor Nikki Williams to advocate for upgrades to the Eastern Dorrigo Way and Nationals MPs have chimed in with demands for action (see page 3).
The landslip between Horseshoe Rd and Boggy Creek Road occurred on the morning of January 19 with traffic diverted by Summervilles Road, which has been plagued with accidents over the past week.
At the time of writing, Council had not received any definitive updates from Transport for NSW on a reopening date and were waiting on the results of the geotechnical investigations.
Mayor Steve Allan said council is lifting its advocacy for an alternate safe and viable route in the meantime.
“Our preferred option is what I call the Cascade Corridor, which goes from Megan through Cascade to Coramba,” Mayor Allan said.
Mr Allan said the road, also known as Eastern Dorrigo Way, is jointly controlled by Bellingen Shire Council, State Forests and the Coffs Harbour City Council.
“All of it needs to be upgraded to make it safe for freight and private vehicles. It would not replace Waterfall way but would be available as a safe alternate route when Waterfall Way is closed.”
“This is not just an issue for our shire, it’s an issue for the whole region including the New England.”
“The Waterfall Way is a significant east-west connection from the New England to the coast, and that is evident by the 10,000 vehicle movements we get every day.”
Council is also seeking Federal Government funding to improve Summervilles Road.
“We do have an application in for a federal grants scheme to replace the two bridges that are pinch points along Summervilles Road. That does have the support of the State Government.”
“That is not part of a long-term goal. It’s one that needs to be accomplished immediately.”
Chair of the NSW Farmers Dorrigo Branch, Dave Gibson, said the latest closure has had a significant impact on the local farming community.
“The Dorrigo cattle sale was cancelled. There were around 400 head booked in, so that means a $400,000 to $500,000 loss in gross turnover, and it’s also an important social event for farmers,” Mr Gibson said.
“There are other cattle sales to go to, but you have a cop a higher freight bill and the market has softened in the last week. That doesn’t auger well for local producers.”
“Dairy farmers up here have not had to tip out their milk, but the milk tankers have had to do a long journey through Grafton.”
Bellingen Shire Council is encouraging residents to advocate for Waterfall Way by completing the NSW Government’s survey on roads and transport across the region at https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/north-coast