Waterfall Way not just a Bellingen Shire issue: mayor

A CAMPAIGN is under way calling for recognition of Waterfall Way’s critical importance to people, businesses and emergency service providers across the Mid North Coast.

Bellingen Shire Council has lodged its submission on the Draft North Coast Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan 2026, calling for stronger recognition of the Shire’s transport resilience priorities.

It is now calling on members of the community to add their voices to the submission process before submissions close on 14 June 2026.

While Council supports the broad direction of the Draft Plan, including its focus on safer roads, east-west connectivity, public transport, active transport, freight efficiency and climate resilience, it believes the final Plan must be more specific about the transport challenges facing Bellingen Shire and the broader Mid North Coast.

Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Cr Steve Allan, said Waterfall Way must be treated as a critical regional resilience corridor.

“Waterfall Way is not just a Bellingen Shire issue. It is a critical east-west connection for the Mid North Coast, supporting local communities, emergency access, school transport, freight, tourism and the broader regional economy,” Mayor Allan said.

“When Waterfall Way is closed or disrupted, the impact is immediate and widespread. It affects families, businesses, visitors, emergency services, freight operators and access to essential services.

“Our message is simple: resilience needs to be planned, funded and delivered, and Waterfall Way, Summervilles Road, Gordonville Road and the Cascade Corridor need to be clearly recognised in the final Plan.”

Council is asking the community to add their voices to the submission process by making their own submissions to the plan before submissions close on 14 June 2026. Every submission will help shape future transport priorities across the North Coast, including road safety, public transport, active transport, freight, regional connectivity and climate resilience.

Bellingen Shire Council General Manager Mark Griffioen said it was important that Transport for NSW heard directly from the Bellingen Shire community, because they are uniquely placed to provide real life perspectives on the impact of road closures on their lives.

“This is the community’s chance to make sure those on the ground impacts are clearly understood by the people with the power to make decisions about long term transport solutions for our region,” Mr Griffioen said.

“Whether you are a business, organisation or a resident, your voice will help make a difference. Your submission does not need to be complex or a technical report. A short, personal submission explaining how transport issues affect you, your family, your business or your community is more powerful than you might imagine.

“Some of the issues that the community may wish to comment on include Waterfall Way closures and detour impacts, public transport gaps, access to health, education and employment, school transport reliability, freight and business impacts, active transport needs, and the importance of long-term alternate route planning.”