By Michael Burt
Local businesses in Dorrigo and Bellingen are reporting a 20 to 50 percent decrease in turnover due to the Waterfall Way landslip and uncertainty about a reopening date.
That’s according to the Dorrigo and Bellingen Chamber of Commerces, who are urging their members to document and report income losses and increased transport costs to the Bellingen Shire Council.
“Retail and hospitality business in town have been really suffering. We are getting report of sales being down by 20 to 50 percent,” said Dorrigo Chamber of Commerce president, Ben Garnock
“There are also additional time and costs in logistics because freight routes are so disrupted.”
Mr Garnock said this has had a significant impact on his family butcher business, The Dorrigo Butcher.
“I am having to pay double freight to get product here or go and pick it up myself because the bigger trucks are just not coming.”
He said the trip to transport cattle from farms on the Plateau to processing at Everson Food Processors in Frederickton now requires a round trip via Grafton.
“Our local farmers have been hit hard as well. There was a cattle sale last week, but the major processor in Wingham is not sending trucks to Dorrigo.”
“To put that in perspective, there are usually two double deckers that leave every single week from Dorrigo to Wingham with about 80 head of cattle.”
“Farmers have had to adjust pasture and herd management to keep the cattle, which can be very expensive, and they are not getting the cash flow.”
“I’m sure it’s also affecting fruit and vegetable farmers, and the two daily milk truck runs from dairy farms now have go via Grafton as well.”
The Dorrigo Chamber of Commerce is preparing a Economic Impact Statement to submit as part of the request for a Category D disaster declaration.
Mr Garnock said the closure is also impacting the social fabric of the Dorrigo community.
“The social impact this is having on our community is substantial and should not be ignored.”
“This is affecting the daily lives of so many people who travel to and from Bellingen and Coffs Harbour for work and essential services.”
“Visitor numbers are well down. The CWA for example, has told us they had ten groups who booked their hall that have now all cancelled. Venue bookings are what keeps the doors open at the CWA Hall.”
“The impact and the costs are really starting to build up, and as they accumulate, the community is feeling a real sense of frustration and helplessness.”
Mr Garnock said much of that frustration stems from a lack of communication from Transport for NSW.
Bellingen Chamber of Commerce President, Frank Perez, said members are reporting downturns in revenue of about 30 per cent. The closure was key agenda item at this week’s Chamber meeting
“It is having a huge impact on all the businesses that I have talked to too, and some having to reduce their staffing numbers. I think it would be even greater for businesses in Dorrigo.”
Mr Perez said visitor numbers are significantly down due to the closure and unclear messaging from Transport for NSW about alternative routes for light traffic.
The chamber has met with Mayor Steve Allan and Oxley MP Michael Kemp, who have requested economic impact data from businesses as part of a push for Natural Disaster funding.
“There is the potential for financial compensation under Category D Funding, but businesses need to keep track of the financial impact experienced during the Waterfall Way closure.”
“If you have any information on the impact to your business during the period of closure so far, please report it to Maaike Veenkamp at mveenkamp@bellingen.nsw.gov.au.”