Flood recovery update
Roads Flash flood alert serviceHomes and property Business grants Community services Building and assets
With so much going on post-flood, it can be hard to know where to go for credible and up-to-date sources of information.
We’ve got you covered. Each week on the Flood Recovery Dashboard and in the Tweed Link we will include a flood recovery update, as the Tweed moves to recover and rebuild following the unprecedented flood earlier this year.
We’ll include updates on roads, bridges, waste, buildings, parks and sports fields as well as relevant information from other levels of government, including Flood Recovery Centre updates, emergency housing news and funding and grant opportunities.
Visit this page weekly for the latest or subscribe to receive the Tweed Link direct to your inbox each week so you don’t miss a flood recovery update.
To view previous Flood Recovery Updates, see Tweed Link issues from 25 May.
What's happening with flood restoration on our roads
For the latest in flood restoration projects on our roads visit flood restoration works.
Register for flash flood alert service
Residents of Burringbar, Mooball and Crabbes Creek are urged to register to receive flash flood alerts via SMS, email and recorded voice calls (landline) for free.
Council, with assistance from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, NSW State Emergency Service (SES) and other government agencies, has established a new automated flash flood alert system for the villages.
The system has 2 main components: flood forecasting and alert distribution.
The flood forecasting system involves a Cloud-based computer system, running continuously, that accepts data from local rain and stream gauges and combines this with various BOM prediction products to forecast flooding in the near future.
For more information and to register for the free flash flood alerts, visit Burringbar and Crabbes Creeks Flash Flood Alert.
Homes and property
Fund to help flood-affected homeowners
Tweed homeowners, devastated by the 2022 floods, could be eligible to raise, repair, retrofit or have their home voluntarily bought back though the Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Fund package jointly funded by the Federal and NSW governments.
The Resilient Homes Program will begin reaching out to eligible residents from November 2022.
Residents already engaged in the Flood Property Assessment Program, delivered by NSW Public Works and Johns Lyng Group, will be contacted automatically.
Registrations are still open for the Flood Property Assessment Program.
Residents not yet engaged in the Flood Property Assessment Program are encouraged to submit their contact details to the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation.
Visit the Resilient Homes Fund web page for more information about the program, including guidelines, eligibility and co-contributions.
Flood Property Assessment Program
Tweed property owners whose residential or commercial building was damaged by the 2022 floods are invited to participate in the free NSW Government Flood Property Assessment Program (FPAP).
The opt-in program provides property owners with a free assessment report, including a comprehensive scope of repair works and an estimate of repair costs to pre-flood conditions.
The Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW), in conjunction with NSW Public Works, has appointed the Johns Lyng Group as the managing contractor who will provide qualified assessors and demolition services for the program.
By registering with Service NSW, a case manager from Johns Lyng Group will be in touch to schedule an initial building inspection. A case manager will be assigned to you who can assist at any stage of the process.
A building inspection will be carried out and you will be presented with a detailed assessment report.
The assessment report is only provided to you and is not available to council, insurers or the general public. However, you can provide the report to your insurer or builder to assist with planning repairs or rebuilding.
Owners can use the report to determine their next course of action.
To find out more about eligibility and details of the process visit the Flood Property Assessment Program web page or call 1300 294 027.
Assessment of flood-contaminated land
If your residential or small business property is in the Tweed and you are concerned that the soil on your property may have been contaminated by the February and March 2022 floods, you can request to have the land assessed.
The assessment is carried out by qualified inspectors as part of the Contaminated Lands Assessment Program. This program is being managed by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and is being jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
You can complete the online form for yourself or on behalf of someone else.
Property owners and tenants will need to submit a separate request for each property.
Applications close 30 June 2023.
All ground surface level property assessments performed under the program will be assessed by a land contamination expert engaged by the EPA, with priority being based on the risk to public health and the environment.
The program will not reimburse you for flood contamination assessment costs if the assessment has already been performed or completed.
For more information, registering and frequently asked questions, visit the EPA website.
NSW Reconstruction Authority takes on resilience role
Following the termination of Resilience NSW in December last year, the majority of functions of the agency have now been taken on by NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSW RA).
The work of the former Resilience NSW remains a priority and is ongoing and will continue as part of the NSW Reconstruction Authority which is dedicated to assisting communities in flood-impacted regions.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022 establishes the agency as the lead agency for disaster prevention and preparedness and reconstruction and recovery following disasters and other emergencies.
While under the Act, NSW RA will continue key functions such as:
- disaster prevention and preparedness, including
- reconstruction and recovery following disasters and other emergencies,
- to provide advice and support to local councils to help maximise the effectiveness of councils’ disaster preparedness and reconstruction programs,
- to lead public education on disaster risks and certain disaster preparations,
- to assist with the development of flood plans.
For more information, visit NSW Reconstruction Authority
Business grants
Grants help flood-impacted businesses
Flood-impacted commercial landlords in the Tweed will be able to apply for support thanks to the Australian and NSW Governments.
The $30 million Northern Rivers Commercial Property – Return to Business Support Grant assists property owners who lease to small and medium businesses in the Northern Rivers.
This support will cover repair-related costs for landlords to ensure retail businesses can reopen and could include clean-up services, hiring equipment or covering the cost of building repairs.
The grants will support the repair of commercial premises to help businesses reopen their doors, get locals back to work and keep the local economy moving.
Applications for the Northern Rivers Commercial Property – Return to Business Support Grant are now open.
Customers are able to register to be notified when applications open by contacting Service NSW on 13 77 88.
Flood-impacted commercial property owners and landlords in the Northern Rivers will be able to apply for up to $50,000.
For a full list of all available support, visit nsw.gov.au/floods or call Service NSW 13 77 88.
Assistance for flood impacted businesses
Is your business in a location that was impacted by the 2022 flood crisis?
To be eligible:
- you must have a current ABN
- are not a trust
- are in a location impacted by the floods as determined by the NSW Government and the National Recovery and Resilience Agency.
The Strengthening Business Program is free and connects you with experts to help your business recover, become stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future.
An independent facilitator will work with you to address the challenges and opportunities your business now faces.
You'll get a roadmap with strategies and goals to achieve in the immediate, medium and long term. Your facilitator will recommend ways to strengthen your business systems, operations and strategies.
They work with you for 12 months helping you to achieve your business objectives.
Visit the My Business website for more information.
Community services
Chinderah Community Hub Inc increases services
The Chinderah Donation Hub, located at 23/18 Ozone Street, Chinderah, in the Chinderah Industrial Estate (behind the BP Service Centre), located between Supaloc and Chinderah Motors, is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.
Mondays
Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre RSS team are at the hub Mondays 9 am-1 pm assisting flood affected community.
Wednesdays
The MCC service is also operating from the Hub on Wednesdays from 1 pm – 4 pm by appointment for Flood Recovery.
Thursdays
Services NSW staff will continue outreach services every second Thursday from 9 am-4 pm.
Thursday, 23 March, 6 April, 20 April etc
Fridays
Fridays 9:30 am-2:30 pm we are operating a Low-Cost Food Pantry (cash only). This is opening to the community who are flood affected and/or government pension/concession card holders.
We still have frozen meals available Monday- Friday and Thursday and Fridays we have a range of fresh produce and baked goods available (free).
Pottsville Recovery Support Service assistance
At-home Caravan Program
Flood-affected Tweed residents can now register for the at-home caravan program at the Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre.
The program includes Burringbar, Chinderah, Condong, Mooball, South Murwillumbah and Tumbulgum and is part of the fee free Tweed-based Recovery Support Service supported by Resilience NSW.
Designed to ease medium-term housing challenges, the program will see caravans sourced from Camplify and located on the resident’s private property at no cost.
Residents can register for the at-home caravan program at the Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre by emailing rss@pbnc.org.au or phoning 02 6676 4555 or mobile 0476 677 422.
Further support is available through Social Future by emailing recoveryconnect@socialfutures.org.au or phoning 1800 719 625.
Primary producers or rural land holders should contact the Department of Primary Industries Rural Recovery Support Service on 0448 077 684 or email flood.recover@dpi.nsw.gov.au
The Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre is open for face-to-face appointments, including Recovery Support Service (RSS).
We link people to their own personalised recovery support worker, who can help them navigate and access services and disaster assistance packages.
Our RSS can provide:
- A dedicated support worker
- Assistance in accessing financial grants and services
- Assistance in applying for an At-Home Caravan
- Practical, personal and emotional support
- Psycho-social groups
- Information and referrals for specialist services
The recovery support workers also support people with the ongoing emotional, physical and financial impacts of floods, which may impact their longer term health and wellbeing.
Recovery support workers walk alongside affected people, acknowledging and addressing their challenges and struggles while respecting people’s strengths and their recovery choices and preferences.
The Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre is located at 10b – 12a Elizabeth St, Pottsville. For more information, call 02 6676 4555 or 0476 677 422, email rss@pbnc.org.au
Safe Haven Hub offers support
Flood impacted community members experiencing mental health distress now have a Safe Haven hub in Murwillumbah offering support to those most vulnerable.
Open 7 days a week
Shop 10-12/41-45 Murwillumbah Street
from noon until 6 pm
no appointments or referrals required.
There are no appointments or referrals needed, so whether you need some peace and quiet, a chat with someone who understands what you’re going through, or some calming activities to reduce the intensity of your negative thoughts and feelings, you can walk right in.
For more information on the Murwillumbah Safe Haven, visit Safe Haven North Coast website.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services:
Legal Aid Disaster Recovery Service
The Disaster Response Legal Service (DRLS) is a free legal service that is available to anyone who has been affected by disasters.
Anyone can access free help
by contacting the
Disaster Response Legal Service NSW helpline on 1800 801 529
9 am to 5 pm weekdays.
This service, which is currently available from the Flood Recovery Centre in Murwillumbah at the Coolamon Centre.
The DRLS provides a range of assistance for disaster affected Tweed individuals with legal issues like:
- Insurance claims and disputes
- Housing and rental problems including caravan parks – damage to premises, rent reductions, repairs, etc.
- Credit, debt, fines and financial hardship
- Eligibility for disaster welfare payments and Government grants
- Employment – unfair dismissals, entitlements,
- Replacing important documents
- Domestic violence
- Other legal problems related to disasters.
Further information and links are available on the Disaster Response Legal Service website.
Community Centre expands support services
The Murwillumbah Community Centre (MCC) has resumed normal services for 2023 at the Coolamon Centre in Murwillumbah.
The MCC service is also operating from the Chinderah Donation Hub, 18 Ozone Street, Chinderah on Wednesdays for Flood Recovery.
For those seeking flood recovery support, bookings are required. MCC is currently providing the following flood recovery services and activities: access to Recovery support workers (Tuesday to Thursday), Gaining Higher Ground: art therapy based group every Tuesday from 1 pm to 4 pm at Nullum House, Knox Park until Tuesday 11 April.
Gaining Higher Ground has commenced in Kingscliff at St James Hall, 41 Pearl Street. It runs every Thursday from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Participants are not required to have creative/artistic skills and do not need to come to every session. It is open to everyone in the community (over 18s)
For details or to register, contact Eva on 0484 913 018 or email evelyn@mccentre.org.au
After the Disaster podcast taps into real experiences
After the Disaster is a relatable and informative podcast produced by ABC Radio and will have particular meaning to many people in our shire.
Listen to Dr Kate Brady, National Recovery Advisor to Australian Red Cross as she speaks with people who have been impacted by disaster and those who have researched the best way through.
After the Disaster covers wellbeing advice for yourself and those around you, to parenting and insurance and even dealing with memorial events.
"I cried in that first 7 minute one. Not bawling, just shed a few tears at how accurate "After the Disaster" is. And how it talked about slowing down and looking after yourself...What a great resource! Thank you!" - Murwillumbah resident
Disasters take time to recover from and being supported in that journey is important.
Making a time and a place to remember the moment of a disaster can be fraught but there are some things you can do to make the process easier. This is also covered in the podcast. Ep 5 | Memorials and Anniversaries - ABC Radio
By presenting real experiences, this podcast may help many people, impacted by the floods, realise they are not alone with their emotions.
Dial into After The Disaster More from After The Disaster - ABC Radio (More from After The Disaster - ABC Radio)
Please visit your GP who can give you a referral to personalised mental and emotional health support.
In immediate crisis please contact:
- Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Lifeline text: 0477 131 114
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Flood Restoration Works - Building and Assets
Last updated 24 October 2023
Planning phase
Vic Bianchetti Sportsgrounds Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by NSW Sport Priority Needs Program (phase 1) and Essential Community Sports asset Program (phase 2.)
A multi-phased restoration project is currently underway.
-
Phase 1 - investigating and rectifying post-flood structural defects including thorough inspections of the building's foundational elements and critical load-bearing posts and necessary corrective actions. The structural works in Phase 1 included a full roof replacement; this, plus support works on the structural walls are on hold allowing for integration of the remaining tasks from Phase 1 with Phase 2, thereby facilitating opportunities to improve the building's flood resilience.
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Phase 2 – reinstatement of the entire clubhouse, including refurbishment of the canteen, toilets, and change rooms plus improvements to irrigation and drainage systems to further protect against future flooding.
Note - flood level was 4m high - the entire building was inundated with flood water.
Project status: The joint funding body has approved the variation to enhance flood resilience at the sports facility; structural engineers and building designers are currently being appointed; consultation with the Vic Bianchetti Sports Club committee will commence shortly.
Stan Sercombe Oval Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by NSW Sport Priority Needs Program, restoration works to include;
Project status: Planning works underway in consultation with stakeholders.
Barrie Smith Fields Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by NSW Sport Priority Needs Program, restoration works to include;
Phase 2:
Project status: Planning works on hold, pending variation approval to enhance flood resilience at the Fields, due November.
Jim Devine Field Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by NSW Sport Priority Needs Program, flood damage works to include;
-
Repairs to the clubhouse and reinstate canteen
-
Repair amenity block changerooms
-
Electrical - relocate electrical box to higher position, to mitigate risk in any future flood event
Project status: Planning works on hold, pending variation approval to enhance flood resilience at the Fields, due November.
Knox Park Netball Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by NSW Sport Priority Needs Program, important restoration works include:
Project status: Contractor appointed for resurface and repair works which include painting netball courts 2 – 6; works estimated to commence mid-November for completion by early December 2023.
John Rabjones and Les Cave Oval Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by NSW Essential Community Sports Asset Program, Phase 2 restoration works include:
Project status: Planning works continue in consultation with stakeholders.
Murwillumbah Saleyards Office
Geotechnical investigations are now underway
-
Project status: Planning works continue in consultation with stakeholders
Queens Park Meeting Room and Canteen
- Restoration works to the clubhouse.
Project status: Planning / pending grant funding.
Murwillumbah Visitor Information Centre
Project status: Planning / pending grant funding.
Possums Community Preschool - Condong Hall
Project status: Now in the consultation phase, with stakeholders.
Tumbulgum Hall
- Restoration works to the hall and full roof replacement.
Project status: Planning / pending grant funding.
Barracks – 100 Railway Street
Project status: Planning / pending grant funding.
Construction phase
Bilambil Sports Complex East Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by NSW Sport Priority Needs Program, important restoration works include:
- Repairs to the clubhouse and changerooms.
- Electrical - relocate electrical box to higher position, to mitigate risk in any future flood event.
Project status: Finalising ceiling works
Storm damage repairs to the Murwillumbah Aquatic Centre
Restoration works include:
- Repairs to the reception area, staff room and offices, main meeting room, the swim school office and the first aid room.
- Repairs to the 50m outside pool.
Project status: In construction.
Completed
Knox Park Netball Restoration and Resilience Project Murwillumbah
Funded by NSW Sport Priority Needs Program, important phase 1 restoration works included:
- Repair to the clubhouse, changerooms and storerooms.
- Electrical – relocate electrical box to higher position, to mitigate risk in any future flood event
Photo: Field drainage works were a part of the now completed John Rabjones and Les Cave Oval Restoration and Resilience project
John Rabjones and Les Cave Oval Restoration and Resilience Project Murwillumbah
Funded by NSW Sport Priority Needs Program, important restoration works included:
Phase 1 works:
- Reinstate canteen
- Repairs to the amenity block changerooms
- Electrical - relocate electrical box to higher position, to mitigate risk in any future flood event
Photo: Stage 1 of the John Rabjones and Les Cave Oval restoration project is now completed
Photo: Flood resilient stainless-steel benches are part of the completed Bilambil Sports Complex West Restoration and Resilience Project
Bilambil Sports Complex West Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by Sport Priority Needs Program, important restoration works included:
- Repairs to the clubhouse and canteen.
- Electrical – relocate electrical box to higher position, to mitigate risk in any future flood event
Photo: Stainless-steel benches are part of the completed Saleyards canteen Restoration and Resilience project
Murwillumbah Saleyards Canteen
Important restoration works included:
- Reinstate the canteen/food and beverage outlet.
Photo: Door and security features are part of completed storm damage repairs at Dave Burns & Ron Wilkinson Fields
Storm damage repairs Dave Burns & Ron Wilkinson Fields Tweed Heads South
Important restoration works included:
- Repairs to the clubhouse and amenities.
Murwillumbah Community Centre
$1m restoration of the Murwillumbah Community Centre was completed on 31 May 2023 by Council’s Flood Restoration Assets team with funding from the NSW Government’s Strong Country Communities Fund (Round 5.)
The restored building, a central meeting place for the Murwillumbah community and offering many services, features new, more flood-resilient and sustainable measures including:
- Epoxy coating on floors.
- Waterproof coating in kitchens and bathrooms, not tiling.
- Stainless steel joinery and aluminium glass doors/skirtings.
- Chip boarding and sandwich panel replaced with fibre-cement sheeting.
- All mechanical, electrical and communication services raised higher including power points, data/phone lines and air conditioning.
- Recycled/existing plumbing fittings and fixtures sourced and installed.
- Mostly glass, partition doors and walls, requiring less recovery work post floods.
Project status: Completed.
MCC Youth Centre kitchen, restoration and resilience works - Before and after.
Official opening of the restored Murwillumbah Community Centre on 31 May 2023. Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry noted the more sustainable, flood-resilient design.
Brian Breckenridge Field Restoration and Resilience Project
Restoration of the Brian Breckenridge Field clubhouse at Tumbulgum is completed with more flood-resilient features incorporated.
The restoration project was funded by the NSW Government’s Sport Priority Needs Program (Stage 1) together with private funding and work by the Tumbulgum Rangers Soccer Club to:
- Reinstate canteen - More flood-resilient stainless-steel benches (secured by the club).
- Repair changerooms and toilets.
- More flood-resilient epoxy flooring.
- Raise external electrical box on wall to ceiling height (below).
Project status: Completed.
Tweed Shire Council Sports fields Officer Gary Bryant (R) hands back the facility to Tumbulgum Rangers Soccer Club life member and namesake, Brian Breckenridge ASM.
Tweed Heads Library
Storm damage works included:
- Replacing part of the ceiling lining and painting.
Project status: Completed.
Each light poles electrical box has been raised to further protect against flood waters.
Barrie Smith Fields Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by Sport Priority Needs Program, flood damage works to included:
- Phase 1 - Reinstated hockey field 2 lighting and relocated the field lighting electrical box higher to guard against risk of future flood.
Project status: Completed.
Replaced all timber doors with aluminium doors to further protect against future flooding.
Murwillumbah Tennis Courts Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by NSW Sport Priority Needs Program, important restoration works include:
- Repairs to the lower-level clubhouse that included installing aluminium doors instead of timber to project against future floods, installing a stainless-steel sink/wet bar, repairs to the walls and painting.
- Note - electrical is already above flood levels.
Project status: Completed.
Replaced flood damaged carpets with slip resistant painted concrete floors to further protect against flooding.
Storm damage repairs to Murwillumbah Fire Control Centre
Storm damage repairs included repairs to the roof/ceilings, flooring and drainage works.
Project status: Completed.
Full ceiling replacement due to the storm damaged caused in the Feb/March 2022 floods.
Storm damage repairs to Old Doon Doon Hall
Storm restoration works included replacing the ceiling lining and lighting.
Project status: Completed.
Storm damage repairs to Crabbes Creek Hall
Storm restoration works included repairs to the ceiling and gutters.
Project status: Completed.
Storm damage repairs to Nullum House
Storm restoration works included repairs to the ceiling, wall, and A/C units.
Project status: Completed.