By Michael Burt
A wall of gravel filled shipping containers have come to the rescue in getting one way access open at the Gordonville Cutting landslip site ahead of schedule.
Waterfall Way opened on Sunday and while the temporary fix is good news for commuters and the shire’s business community, the rapid rise in fuel costs is dampening prospects of a quick recovery in visitor trade.
“Everybody in Dorrigo is absolutely thrilled to have to the mountain open,” said Dorrigo Chamber of Commerce president Ben Garnock.
“It is too early to tell how it is helping businesses recover, but unfortunately the high cost of fuel is bad timing and is taking the wind out of the sails for businesses everywhere.”
“Locally, we’ve heard from accommodation providers that bookings have been cancelled due to high costs of travel. It’s a real shame because we were looking forward to a boost when Waterfall way opened.”
The chamber cannot act on fuel prices, but Mr Garnock said members will continue to advocate strongly for a long-term solution to the Waterfall Way dilemma.
“The bigger picture for us is what the Transport for NSW review turns up later this year. That will determine just how much funding and rehabilitation into Waterfall Way and alternate routes.”
Transport for NSW says this review is on track to be completed in the second half of 2026 and they will keep the community updated as this work continues.
Bellingen Shire Council General Manager, Mark Griffioen, stressed the temporary nature of container wall, the importance of safety, and the potential for the road to be closed at short notice if conditions change.
“Council staff have been working closely with Transport for NSW teams and contractors during the site investigation process, site clearing, and installation of the shipping container wall,” said Mark Griffioen.
“Traffic management has been installed to allow one lane of traffic through at a time, with a speed limit of 40km/h and a three-metre width limit.”
“In addition, there will be a turnaround point on the Bellingen side of the slip if the road does need to be closed at short notice, and sensors and cameras installed to monitor the wall and any new rockfalls.”
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Cr. Steve Allan, said the temporary solution was a “huge team effort.”
“While this temporary opening will be a great relief to the people who rely on Waterfall Way, this is the first step in a lengthy process,” Mayor Allan said.
“Transport for NSW and the Minns Government have committed to carrying out a detailed corridor assessment, identifying short-term solutions, as well as options for increasing the long-term resilience of Waterfall Way.”
