The NSW Government is backing Bellingen Shire with a $20,000 grant to support communities impacted by the closure of Waterfall Way following storms in January 2026.

The grant includes $15,000 to drive visitor economy activity and $5000 for community activities, helping the region bounce back after road closures cut off the key tourism and agricultural route between Bellingen and Dorrigo.

The new funding builds on a Destination NSW support package rolled out to Bellingen Shire shortly after the closure, which included social media campaign, EDM newsletters, a dedicated Waterfall Way page on VisitNSW.com, and a content shoot to deliver marketing materials to encourage visitors to continue visiting.

The NSW Government has been working hand-in-hand with businesses, local councils and communities to understand the impacts and deliver practical, targeted support where it's needed most.

Importantly, the Bellingen region remains open for business, with detours in place. This new funding will strengthen local visitor economies through marketing, events to drive tourism, business advisory and workshops, and direct financial support.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: "The Minns Labor Government is backing Bellingen Shire's resilience since Waterfall Way closed, making sure local businesses and communities get the support they need to keep moving forward.

"Nobody knows this community better than Bellingen Council, and that's why we're putting this funding directly in their hands to back local events and drive visitors back to the region.

"Destination NSW will keep working hand-in-hand with local stakeholders, because when tourism thrives, the whole Bellingen Shire thrives, that's what a government delivering for NSW looks like."

Minister for Recovery and Minster for Small Business Janelle Saffin said: “We are backing Bellingen Council with dedicated tourism funding that will have a direct impact on the local businesses affected by the temporary road closure at Waterfall Way.

“This support will help get the word out that Bellingen is open for business. We want to raise awareness of the detours to encourage visitors to continue supporting the wonderful communities in the area.”