Two months on, funding announced for Bellingen Shire’s recovery after 200-tonne landslip

Government assistance has been made available for Bellingen Shire to help recover from the major landslip on Waterfall Way that occurred earlier in the year.

What happened: A Natural Disaster Declaration (NDD) has been made and assistance activated by the federal and state governments for Bellingen LGA, aiding recovery from widespread damage caused by severe weather that occurred in January.

Zoom in: A 200-tonne landslip near Gordonville Crossing, triggered by severe local rainfall, closed Waterfall Way in both directions between Horseshoe Road and Boggy Creek Road on January 19. The road remains closed.

The landslip disrupted the connection between Bellingen and Dorrigo and impacted both agricultural industry and residents.

• “Everything halts on the Dorrigo Plateau when Waterfall Way closes. Small businesses feel the strain, school runs are disrupted, families struggle to get to work and farmers can’t move stock or produce,” Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp, said on social media.

What’s the support: The declaration activates a suite of support measures for residents, businesses, primary producers and councils.

Available under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), support includes:

• Low-interest loans of up to $130,000 for small businesses and primary producers.

• Assistance for primary producers to help transport livestock, fodder, and water.

• Funding for councils for the restoration of essential public assets, such as local roads and bridges.

• Financial support for state agencies and councils to cover the costs of emergency works undertaken to keep the community safe.

Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said the provision of concessional loans is to help local small businesses and primary producers “bridge the gap in their recovery”.

Thumbnail: Landslip on Waterfall Way, January 2026. Supplied NSW Government.