Pacific Highway to Connells Creek

The Waterfall Way is an important route connecting the seaboard and Coffs Harbour district with the coastal hinterland of the Bellingen area, the tablelands of Dorrigo, Armidale and beyond.

The project

Roads and Maritime Services is investigating improvements to the Waterfall Way from the Pacific Highway to Connells Creek.  Two route options have been developed and were presented to the community during 2011.

The options aim to improve flood immunity, road safety and pavement conditions along this section of the Waterfall Way, which includes Cameron's Corner, while preserving as much of the natural and environmental value as possible.

Over 20 suggestions have been received from the community and the level of interest and involvement was understandably high.

The main issues raised by the community related to traffic safety, proposal need, road standards, property impacts, flora and fauna, amenity, the Raleigh Dam and economy and tourism of the area and region.

Roads and Maritime Services is reviewing and analysing this feedback and the suggestions made. Roads and Maritime Services is using this information to help refine the scheme.

A number of detailed investigations are being carried out during this stage of this project. These will help in determining a preferred option. This preferred option may be one of the two that were recently presented to you and the community. Another option, combining the most desirable aspects of the initial two, may be revealed as part of this process.

Investigations being carried out include;

• A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) – This will consider the environment within the study area in an ecological and social context,
• Erosion and Sediment Control – This will identify and evaluate potential erosion and sedimentation issues and suggest suitable mitigation measures, and
• An Archaeological and Native Title Study- This study reviews the adjacent environment to determine areas of heritage or cultural significance.

This plan means we are one step closer to providing a consistent level of flood immunity, improving the road alignment and pavement condition, whilst minimizing impacts on the environment and community along the Waterfall Way.

For Further information please contact Roads and Maritime Services Project Manager, Geof Berry, on (02) 6640 1300.