NSW Mid North Coast and New England region Mayors have renewed their call for a critical east–west transport corridor to be recognised as infrastructure of regional and state significance, warning that repeated closures are causing serious economic, social and safety impacts on communities across both regions.
In a joint statement released today, the Mayors of Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Clarence Valley, Armidale and Uralla said the 180km Waterfall Way, which connects the New England tablelands with the Mid North Coast, underpins regional economies, supports essential freight and agricultural supply chains, enables access to health and education services, and connects communities, businesses and emergency services across two regions.
They say recent and repeated closures have again highlighted the vulnerability of the route and the serious consequences of road disruptions.
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.
Transport for NSW deployed specialist engineers and geotechnical experts to the site to work with Bellingen Shire Council. Around 150 tonnes of material initially fell on to the road, with a further 250 tonnes coming down in the past week.
Despite crews working around the clock for more than a week, the 26-metre-high slope remains unstable, making it unsafe to reopen the road. The slope is still active with rocks and debris continuing to fall onto Waterfall Way, Transport for NSW said in an online statement.
“For communities, businesses and industries on both sides of the range, the impacts are not occasional or minor – they are ongoing, significant and compounding,” the Mayors stated.
“We acknowledge the recent announcement by the Minns Labor Government to undertake a detailed corridor assessment of Waterfall Way and Mid North Coast roads between Bellingen and Dorrigo, including investigation of short-term fixes and potential long-term upgrades to support access and alternate routes during extreme weather. This assessment is an important and welcome step.
“However, assessment alone is not sufficient. It must be accompanied by a clear commitment to funding and delivery. Our regions cannot afford further delay or another cycle of studies without the investment required to implement solutions on the ground.”
The Mayors are calling for Waterfall Way to be formally recognised as infrastructure of regional and state significance.
“This recognition must be matched with meaningful investment in long-term, resilient solutions — not an ongoing reliance on repeated emergency repairs following each severe weather event.”
“We also strongly urge the proper assessment, planning and funding of viable alternate routes to strengthen the broader road network. Safe, reliable and fit-for-purpose alternatives are essential to reduce risk, improve resilience and ensure continuity when Waterfall Way is impacted.”
The Mayors are also calling on the NSW and Australian Governments to approve Category D assistance under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for communities and businesses impacted by the repeated and prolonged closures of Waterfall Way.
“The scale, duration and cumulative nature of these disruptions go well beyond standard recovery measures. Category D support is essential to address exceptional circumstances, provide targeted assistance to affected businesses and communities, and recognise the extraordinary impacts being borne across both regions.”
“Our regions cannot continue to absorb the economic, social and safety costs of an unreliable transport link. A coordinated, strategic approach – backed by state investment and a commitment to delivery – is essential to secure the long-term connectivity, resilience and prosperity of the New England and Mid North Coast.”
