Interim school transport arrangements are being rolled out in the Dorrigo, Thora and Bellingen areas, with minibuses deployed to maintain access to schools while Waterfall Way remains closed following a landslip.
From today, Transport for NSW will begin a phased introduction of alternative services after five regular school bus routes were suspended due to safety concerns on the approved diversion route. Summervilles Road, which is being used to bypass the damaged section of Waterfall Way, is currently unsuitable for full-size school buses without additional controls.
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To restore limited access, Transport for NSW has worked with local operators to source minibuses capable of navigating the diversion. The services will operate under strict safety conditions, including the use of a pilot vehicle escorting minibus convoys along the route.
The interim solution is constrained by vehicle availability, meaning not all affected students will be able to return to school immediately. Families are advised to follow their schools’ guidance and plan accordingly as services are progressively expanded.
Under the initial phase, a revised timetable will allow students travelling from the Dorrigo and Thora areas to reach Bellingen via the minibus services. Bellingen-based students in years 7 to 10 attending Chrysalis Steiner School in Thora will also be able to access transport, along with Orama School students travelling between Bellingen and Thora.
Transport for NSW says efforts are continuing to secure additional minibuses and drivers, notably to support the remaining Chrysalis Steiner students who are still unable to return to school. Around 130 students remain are affected, and while no return date has been confirmed, authorities say resolving the situation remains a priority.
The interim arrangements have been developed in consultation with schools, local bus operators and Bellingen Shire Council. Transport says it will continue working with the community as conditions evolve and services are adjusted in response to road access and weather impacts.
Further refinements to the minibus operations may be required in the coming days, and families are encouraged to monitor updates from their schools. Transport has also provided information about an SMS alert system that will notify families when services are disrupted due to weather or road conditions.
The temporary minibus services are expected to remain in place for the duration of the Waterfall Way closure. At this stage, there is no confirmed timeline for reopening the road.
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