Disaster and Emergency Information

The Bellingen Shire Council Disaster and Emergency Information webpage aims to assist in connecting community members with information and support services throughout the various stages of a disaster.

Council updates will be provided on this page. However, for live updates from emergency response agencies during a disaster, please access this through the respective agency's channel. 

Recovery Support

Get the latest information on recovery support for those who have been impacted by floods and storms caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

NSW Government Resources

Road Closures & Updates

Road Status Update:

  • Deervale Rd – Closed until further notice.
  • Tyringham Rd –now reopened, and a detour is no longer required. However, the road remains unsealed, and a reduced speed limit of 60km/h is in place for safety.
  • Johnsens Rd –  Temporary access Open. Further investigation required.
  •  Coramba Rd – Open with shoulder closed. Exercise caution.
  •  McKays Rd – Single lane open. Clean-up planned.

Please note: This is not comprehensive list of road updates for the Shire. Staff are maintaining updates on road and bridge closures on LiveTraffic as the information is received, and should be checked before planning your trip.

We are asking residents to exercise caution while driving, never drive through floodwaters and follow directions from Council staff and signage for your own safety.

 

 

 

 

Green Waste Disposal Support

Bellingen Shire Council is providing additional green waste disposal support to assist residents in cleaning up storm debris following the impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Starting from Saturday, 15 March, residents who present their Waste Management Card will have access to a one-time green waste voucher allowing for free disposal of up to 250kg of storm-generated green waste. This initiative will run for one month, concluding on Sunday, 13 April.

How to Access Your Voucher:

  • Bring your load of green waste to either the Dorrigo or Raleigh waste facilities.
  • Present your Waste Management Card to staff upon arrival.
  • You will be directed to the designated green waste disposal area.

Requirement for use:

  • This voucher allows free disposal of green waste only, up to 250Kg which is approximately one level 6x4 trailer load. Loads exceeding this may incur charges and no other waste types will be accepted under this voucher.
  • To ensure that the load will be accepted residents must present their Waste Management Card on entry to the waste facility.
  • Where the waste management card is not presented to staff on entry, disposal costs will be charged.
  • This voucher is single use only and multiple loads cannot be dropped off under this voucher entitlement.
  • If you have not received or have lost the waste management card a replacement card will need to be obtained prior to disposal. This can be requested by completing the waste replacement replacement declaration form(PDF, 823KB) on the council website and submitting to council via email to council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au. This form must be completed by the owner of the property in order to be processed.

Please note: Your waste facility card is essential to access this service.

This initiative is part of Council’s ongoing recovery efforts to support the community following the severe weather event. Residents are encouraged to make use of the program within the timeframe to ensure effective and timely cleanup of fallen trees and branches on their properties.

For further information on Waste Management Cards, please click here.

Stages of a disaster

Council has collated information relating to each stage of a disaster, including key contacts and resources. Use the links below to navigate to the relevant information and resources based on the stage of the emergency.

Our role during a disaster

Emergencies or declared disaster events are controlled by either a Combat Agency or an Emergency Operations Controller (if requested by a Combat Agency or a Combat Agency is not specified). The Combat Agency will vary, depending on the type of emergency.

The following is a summary of potential types of emergencies which may affect out community and the identified lead Combat Agency.

Type of Emergency Combat Agency
Animal, plant disease, rodent or insect plague Department of Primary Industries
Fire

In a rural fire district: NSW Rural Fire Service

In an urban fire district: Fire and Rescue NSW
Flood NSW State Emergency Service
Pandemic NSW Health
Severe Storm NSW State Emergency Service
Tsunami NSW State Emergency Service

 

Whilst Bellingen Shire Council is not a lead Combat Agency, in a disaster or emergency event, as a member of the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) we work to:

  • Advise of any interruptions to the services we provide, including the status of roads and bridges, water and waste services and more
  • Restore any services which impact on the welfare and safety of our community in a timely manner
  • Support emergency lead agencies and/or combat agencies in assisting our community. 
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