“The relocation from Bellingen means that rather than spending money on rent (which does not stay in Bellingen), we will be able to actually increase services to the local community,” CEO Bethany Simmonds said.

She said the uproar that had ensued on social media could frighten “our vulnerable transport-disadvantaged clients who may think that the service is being closed”

“This is definitely not the case. 

“Community transport will be there to pick them up and take them wherever they need – as has been the case for over 20 years … and we hope to be here for another 20 years and more.

Ms Simmonds said relocating the Bellingen administration office and staff would “save our not-for-profit organisation a large amount of money in rent and overheads per year”.

She said as a result CBNCT could make further investment in extra services and increased paid driver hours to provide a better service to the Bellingen community.

“This will include a mobile office, which will allow face-to-face contact with the community and other towns within the Shire.”

In response to concerns about local jobs, Ms Simmonds said the organisation had worked closely with staff to ensure they understood the reasons behind the move. 

“All staff will keep their current position within the organisation if they choose,” she said.

“We value and respect the work that all our volunteers do in our organisation and hope that all our volunteers from Bellingen will remain with us to keep servicing the community.”

The new combined office at Macksville will now be known as the Southern Office of Coffs Harbour, Bellingen & Nambucca Community Transport. The Coffs Harbour office is not moving.