21/03/2022
Today I met with John Fyfe, the Manager of Infrastructure Services for Bellingen Shire Council and Mitch, a contractor from Pan Civil currently assessing and working on the landslides on Waterfall Way.
I can confirm there is a very large slip west of Thora, which will require a significant amount of soil and rubble removal prior to re-opening the road, this may take upwards of three weeks dependant on the weather. ⚠️ 🚧
Another smaller slip near Dorrigo is expected to be cleared within the coming days, which may allow an alternative route for essential travel for residents until Waterfall Way is cleared and re-open for travel.
Many residents from the plateau have expressed their concerns to me, as have some people and businesses that rely on access to the plateau daily. I understand how difficult this situation is and can imagine the frustration and anxiety it is causing to many people affected by this.
Please know that council is working in conjunction with Transport for NSW to address the landslips and ensure the roads are safely reopened as soon as practicably possible.
I am continuing to have discussions with Melinda Pavey MP, Member for Oxley, and Pat Conaghan MP Member for Cowper, about a longer-term solution to providing a safe alternative route from the plateau to the coast.
