Renewed calls for alternate route to Dorrigo Plateau

On Tuesday 13 May, Waterfall Way was closed at Gordonville Cutting due to a landslip, limiting vehicle access to Dorrigo and surrounding Plateau communities.

Motorists were left to use Summervilles Road, however Council urged caution, as the road features windy and unsealed sections.

Waterfall Way was reopened to single-lane traffic on 18 May.

Mayor 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,” he said. “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.

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 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.’

Most recently, Mayor Allan and Council GM Mark Griffioen travelled to Sydney to meet with key state government ministers, where they pressed the case for alternate access and greater investment in infrastructure resilience.

Council acknowledges the ongoing support of Transport for NSW in managing slip responses and prioritising safety when these hazards arise, however Mayor Allan says it is no longer enough.

“We need a safe, reliable detour route that can withstand severe weather events and provide ongoing access to the Plateau,” he said.

“This is not just about convenience — it’s about community safety, wellbeing, and long-term resilience.”