NSW · Mid North Coast · Local council, made simple
Bellingen Shire Council
A Mid North Coast council of around 13,300 people across the arts and river town of Bellingen, the coastal village of Urunga, and the mountain town of Dorrigo — linked by the tourist route Waterfall Way, which climbs to the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park rainforest. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, planning, parks — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2025–26 rate peg: 4.2%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Average residential rate ~32% above the NSW average
Open →Crime & safetyBellingen's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
9 of 12 major offences above the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Steve Allan (Waterfall Way Independents)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: (02) 6655 7300
Open →Area profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~13,278 (2024)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Bellingen Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
$30 million to upgrade Bellingen's Waterfall Way detour roads
The NSW Government committed $30 million to upgrade Summervilles and Gordonville roads — the routes used as detours during the Waterfall Way closure — covering widening, resurfacing, drainage, bridge replacement and sealing an unsealed section, delivered with Bellingen Shire Council.
What this means for you: Residents and freight/agricultural traffic using these roads as an alternative to Waterfall Way should expect construction activity over the life of the project, with the aim of making these routes safer and more resilient long-term detours.
Source: NSW Government — Major $30 million upgrade to future-proof critical Bellingen roads
- Policy
Waterfall Way landslip closes key Bellingen–Dorrigo route
A landslip at Gordonville Cutting on 19 January 2026, triggered by severe rainfall, deposited over 250 tonnes of rock and debris onto Waterfall Way, closing the route between Bellingen and Dorrigo. The NSW Government restored controlled one-lane access within about six weeks while planning permanent stabilisation works.
What this means for you: If you travel between Bellingen and Dorrigo, expect ongoing traffic controls (temporary lights, 40 km/h limit, width restrictions) at Gordonville Cutting while remediation continues, and possible short-notice closures during heavy rain. Detours via Summervilles and Gordonville roads are being upgraded separately.
Source: NSW Government — Safe access to Waterfall Way to be restored following 250 tonne landslip
- Election
Linda Coomber joins Council as newest councillor via countback
Following the resignation of Cr Eleanor Tree, the NSW Electoral Commission ran a countback election and declared Linda Coomber elected as Bellingen Shire's newest councillor on 11 June 2025, filling the vacancy from the Waterfall Way Independents group's own 2024 ticket.
What this means for you: The council's makeup can change between elections through casual vacancies and countbacks like this one — the council's official councillors page has the current list of who holds office.
Source: Bellingen Shire Council — New Councillor Appointed to Bellingen Shire Council
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