Bellingen Shire Council has launched a community survey to gauge community views on how the closure of major transport corridor, Waterfall Way, is impacting residents.
Mayor, Steve Allan said the information collected from the survey will be used to support advocacy efforts to the State and Federal Governments for long-term solutions to repeated closures of Waterfall Way.
On 19 January, a landslip near Gordonsville Crossing was triggered by severe local rainfall and closed Waterfall Way – marking the fourth closure of the road in 12 months.
“It’s important that we can share real experiences to decision makers that show why both immediate and long-term investment are urgently needed,” said Mayor Allan.
“We need state and federal governments to understand how this closure is affecting businesses, families, agriculture, access to healthcare, education and general wellbeing, and this survey will help us do that.
“This is your opportunity to have your say to make sure the decision-makers hear directly from the people living with the consequences of this closure.”
The survey will be open from Monday 9 February until Sunday 22 February and is estimated to take around 15 minutes to complete.
Mayor Allan said the Shire was committed to keeping the pressure on until a long-term solution is identified, funded and implemented.
“I know how deeply the closure of Waterfall Way is hurting people across the Bellingen Shire and the broader region who are once again bearing the brunt of delayed action: cattle sales cancelled, deliveries delayed, small businesses absorbing rising costs, school students unable to travel, and families spending hours on detours just to get to work or appointments.”
“In spite of these challenges, the hard-working businesses of the Bellingen Shire continue to operate as usual, with our vibrant towns alive and well. However, having this critical transport corridor closed is not just a minor inconvenience: there are far reaching effects from the tablelands to the coast with real disruptions to livelihoods, education and wellbeing. This is your opportunity to have your say about the impact of the closure of Waterfall Way on your life,” he said.
View the survey here: Gordonville Cutting Landslip – Community Impact Survey.
