FEDERAL, State and local Government leaders have met to map out a viable action plan to deal with the decades-old problem of an alternate route to landslide-prone Waterfall Way.

Recent flooding events have proven particularly treacherous for the 62 kilometre stretch of road, the main link between Bellingen and Dorrigo, leaving many cut off from surrounding areas.

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To date, solutions to the alternate Eastern Dorrigo Way have proven difficult, due in part to the multi-faceted government solution required to effectively manage the issue.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce met with local representatives to discuss mutual cooperation to mitigate the perennial road closures after heavy rainfall.

The Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said, “Seeing everyone on the same page for the good of our communities and focussing on just getting-it-done is what should always happen.”

He pointed out that Waterfall Way crosses two local and two state government areas, requiring a fair and reasonable division of cost and manpower to create a solution.

Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey said, “It is vitally important the plateau community has consistent access down to the coast at all times.

“The Eastern Dorrigo Way must also be of a standard that cattle, timber and milk trucks can use it safely.”

Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos highlighted the lack of community access to important regional services, including health links.

“Whenever the main link is severed for any reason, it affects access to health services such as the Coffs Harbour Hospital.”

Bellingen Mayor Steve Allan echoed sentiments that developing a safe and reliable alternate route linking the Tablelands to the Coast is vital.

Darkwood resident Mark Graham said, “Eastern Dorrigo Way is really the only alternative to Waterfall Way simply because of the physical challenges from the landscape, but it has its own challenges and constraints.”

He said that the alternative route had had closures from Coramba to Lowanna, so it might still not completely solve the problem.

Mr Graham said as a local resident who is directly affected by road closures, he accepts the occasional inconvenience.

His view is that extreme rainfall events will affect the roads in that area regardless of how much money is spent and there is no perfect solution.

However, he said that it is commendable that governments are already spending money on safety upgrades on Waterfall Way and are looking at an alternative route.

By Andrew VIVIAN