Flood recovery update
Roads Building and assets Flash flood alert service Homes and property Community services
The floods of 2022 were the biggest in the Tweed’s recorded history.
Flood recovery and restoration continues with many of the projects incorporating new resilience measures to ensure the Tweed is better positioned to meet the challenges of climate change. While we have made great progress, there is still much to do.
On this page we will include flood recovery updates, as various projects move from planning to construction and finally completion.
We’ll include links to updates on roads, bridges, waste, buildings, parks and sports fields as well as relevant information from other levels of government, news and funding and grant opportunities.
What's happening with flood restoration on our roads
For the latest in flood restoration projects on our roads visit flood restoration works.
Flood restoration works – building and assets
Last updated 15 April 2025
Flood restoration and resilience works have been or are being carried out on numerous community assets around the Tweed.
These works are being followed up with additional works funded through the Community Assets Program which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments to ensure our public spaces can better withstand future natural disasters and deliver the greatest benefits to our community. To find out more about the Community Assets Program, visit resilient parks, community buildings and recreation facilities.
Planning phase
John Rabjones and Les Cave Oval Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by NSW Essential Community Sports Asset Program, Phase 2 restoration works include:
- Demolition and replacement of the timber grandstand and team dugout.
- Repairs to concrete grandstand.
Project status: Engaging contractors for requested offer.
Tweed Heads Croquet Clubhouse
The Tweed Heads Croquet Clubhouse, is currently in the detailed design phase, with the aim of going out for pricing in mid-March and commencing construction in mid-April. Concept plan(PDF, 571KB)
Construction phase
Queens Park Clubhouse Restoration and Resilience Project
This project is more than 50% complete with the contractor, Alive Building Co. making solid progress.
These works will be covered under Council’s Community Asset Program (CAP) and is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.
So far, works have included:
- epoxy coat floor
- stainless steel joinery
- replacing doors with aluminium doors
- wall waterproof coating
- internal and external painting
- roof and gutter repairs.
The contractors have ensured the soccer fields are available for pre-season training.
Works scheduled for the next few weeks are:
- two-coat render to canteen and amenities room walls
- new windows installed
- aluminium servery shutter installed
- external and internal painting
- electrical/plumbing fit out and testing.
The project is currently on track for its April completion.
This work marks the continued updated and restoration of the Queens Park soccer precinct in Murwillumbah.
Completed
Jim Devine Field Restoration and Resilience Project
Work on the Jim Devine/Murwillumbah Soccer Clubhouse and Changerooms in Murwillumbah is completed.
Funded by NSW Sport Priority Needs Program, flood resilience works worth $201,000 have included:
- Repair works to the amenity block included replacing timber doors and frames with aluminium, removing wall sheets and rendering block walls, raising power outlets, and paint finish.
- Restoration works to the lower clubhouse included adjustments to the floor plan to enhance flood resilience, improved drainage, raising the sub switchboard and electrical outlets, applying an epoxy coating to the floors, installing new aluminium doors throughout, adding stainless steel joinery in the toilets and servery window, and paint finish.
- Electrical works involved relocating the electrical box above flood level and installing stainless steel stair access to mitigate the risk of future flooding.
Project status: Completed.
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.
Storm damage repairs to the Murwillumbah Aquatic Centre
Restoration works:
- Repairs to the 50 m outside pool.
- Repairs to the reception area, staff room and offices, main meeting room, the swim school office and the first aid room.
This project was undertaken with a commitment to enhancing the safety and functionality of the outdoor 50 m pool following storm damage caused by the 2022 floods. The key areas of improvement and upgrades made to the outdoor 50 m pool included:
- Surface Safety: outdoor 50 m pool surfaces, including floors and walls, have been repaired to ensure a safe swimming environment.
- Deck Grates and Non-Slip Coating: The installation of new wet deck grates and the application of non-slip coating on the main stairs have significantly improved overall safety and accessibility.
- Structural Integrity: The completion of all inner pool expansion joints ensures the long-term durability and integrity of the pool structure.
- The Murwillumbah Aquatic Centre's outdoor 50 m pool is now open. The restoration upgrade is designed to provide a resilient outdoor swimming pool that can withstand any future storm impacts.
Project status: Completed.
Barrie Smith clubhouse handover - Matt Bartell, Kelly Baker and Naomi Searle.
Each light poles electrical box has been raised to further protect against flood waters.
Barrie Smith Fields Restoration and Resilience Project
Flood restoration and resilience works on the Hockey Tweed hockey clubhouse at the Barrie Smith fields in Murwillumbah has now been completed.
The facilities, home to the Hockey Tweed Association, were inundated in 2022 with floodwaters up to 1.2m deep.
Under the NSW Government Sports Priority Needs Program Fund - Office of Sport, flood restoration works were conducted to provide greater resilience in the in the event of future flooding.
The work included relocation of the main switchboard above 2022 flood levels and relocating the distribution boards on the floodlight poles for Hockey Field 1 above flood levels.
Clubhouse works saw the lower-level canteen haver all flood-damaged equipment and materials removed and replaced with flood-resilience measures such as epoxy coating the floors, removing wall sheets, and replacing them with blockwork/rendered walls for easier post-flood washout and replacing timber joinery with stainless steel and aluminium joinery.
Due to the "less is more" approach with the lower-level canteen, which saw it transformed into more of a pop-up canteen and retail space, Council had surplus funds which were used to upgrade the flooring and joinery in the upper-level kitchen/bar area.
The club will use this space as the main food prep area, mitigating future flood impacts.
Additional works to be conducted as part of Community Assets Program (CAP) will include upgrading the amenity block with flood-resistant materials, upgrading pathways and fencing, repairing the grandstand, and further works to the clubhouse building.
Project status: Restoration and resilience work completed.
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.
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
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.
Project status: Phase 1 completed.
Stage 1 of the John Rabjones and Les Cave Oval restoration project is now completed.
Canteen restoration
Stan Sercombe Oval Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by NSW Sport Priority Needs Program, restoration works included:
- Stainless steel benches installed.
- Security mesh door install.
- Block wall installed in the male toilet.
- Total clean of canteen, changes and toilets.
- Electrical - relocating electrical box higher to mitigate risk in any future flood event.
Project status: Completed.
Knox Park Netball Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by NSW Sport Priority Needs Program, important 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.
- Court resurfaces and repair works to five netball courts.
Project status: Completed.
Stainless-steel benches are part of the completed Saleyards canteen Restoration and Resilience project.
Murwillumbah Saleyards office and canteen
Important restoration works to the office included:
- Roof flashings and guttering.
- Electrical fit-out including the scale controller and audio.
- Air-conditioner installed.
- Entry step and gravel surrounds.
- Entry door lock.
- Final clean.
- Reinstate the canteen/food and beverage outlet.
Project status: Completed.
Bilambil Sports Complex East Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by NSW Sport Priority Needs Program, restoration works included:
- Repairs to the clubhouse and change rooms.
- Relocated electrical box to higher position, to mitigate risk in any future flood event.
- Installed aluminium doors.
Project status: Completed
Tweed Heads Library
Storm damage works included:
- Replacing part of the ceiling lining and painting.
Project status: Completed.
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.
Project status: Completed.
Possums Community Preschool - Condong Hall
Work included:
- Demolition and removal of flood-affected building.
- Returfing of open space.
Project status: Completed.
Demolition of flood affected building.
Resurfacing of open space completed.
Vic Bianchetti Sportsgrounds Restoration and Resilience Project
The Uki sporting community is looking forward to a new era with the handover of keys to the Vic Bianchetti restoration and resilience project.
The clubhouse restoration, worth more than $1.2 million, was carried out by Desire Contractors Pty Ltd and funded by the Office of Sport's Priority Needs Program and Essential Community Sport Assets.
The 2022 floods saw the facilities completely devastated with metres of water flowing through the building.
The project incorporated many flood resilience measures including a second story meeting room and storage area.
Work on the project included structural rectification works such as a new roof, blockwork and steel posts, improved drainage and plumbing, an upgraded electrical system with the main switchboard relocated above flood levels, replacement solar panels, and the installation of new aluminium glass doors and windows, stainless steel joinery and epoxy floor coatings.
The redesigned building layout now allows for improved accessibility and provides a more fit-for-purpose sports clubhouse that meets the needs and feasibility of today’s sporting community.
Works also included:
- external rendering and painting
- internal walls painted
- new showers, toilets, refs room and changerooms
- staircase installed
- Hecka hood/awning installed
- 10KW solar inverter/system installation
- solar hot water system.
More external work will continue on site under CAP funding program with an official opening of the clubhouse planned for later in the year.
Project status: Completed.
Minor works
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.
Storm damage repairs Dave Burns and Ron Wilkinson Fields Tweed Heads South
Important restoration works included:
- Repairs to the clubhouse and amenities.
Project status: Completed.
Murwillumbah Tennis Courts Restoration and Resilience Project
Funded by NSW Sport Priority Needs Program, important restoration works included:
- 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.
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.
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
Resilient Home Program
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 offers assistance to homeowners looking to improve the flood-resilience of their properties in the Northern Rivers.
There is also comprehensive information available on measures homeowners can take regarding property resilience in the Northern Rivers Flood Resilient Design Guide.
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 property assessment report, including a comprehensive scope of works to repair your property and an estimate of the repair costs to pre-flood conditions.
Under the FPAP, you will register with Service who will then coordinate a building inspection. After the building inspection, a detailed property assessment report will be provided to you.
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. If you decide that demolishing your building is the best option for you, then the program can also provide this service for free.
To find out more about eligibility and to register visit The Flood Property Assessment Program web page. You can also call Service NSW on 13 77 88.
NSW Reconstruction Authority takes on resilience role
The NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSW RA) is the lead agency for disaster prevention and preparedness and reconstruction and recovery from natural disasters and other emergencies.
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, the agency will continue key functions on the Northern Rivers 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
Community services
Chinderah Community Hub
The Chinderah Community Hub continues to support the community from Tuesday to Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm. The Hub assists with flood recovery and support services, case management, material aid and legal aid and financial services. It also provides advocacy and food support with free frozen meals available daily.
On the last Wednesday of each month, the Hub will host a Community Closet from 9:30 am to 12 pm at the Chinderah Scout Hall in Chinderah Road. The Closet will provide high quality new and used items of men’s and women’s clothing and is open to the community.
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.
For further information, call 0476 917 380 or email chinderahdonationhub@gmail.com
Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre
The At Home Caravan program has closed for any new participants. Some extensions have been granted to current participants.
The Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre Recovery Support Service continues to support anyone impacted by the 2022 floods.
We now hold 1 x healing group monthly in Murwillumbah and 1 x healing group monthly in Chinderah – flood impacted participants can sign up to our service even if they only want to attend these monthly groups.
The Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre is located at 10b – 12a Elizabeth St, Pottsville.
For more information visit the Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre website.
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
Anyone can access free help
by contacting the
Disaster Response Legal Service NSW helpline on 1800 801 529
9 am to 5 pm weekdays.
The Disaster Response Legal Service provides free legal help for disaster affected community members in NSW with legal issues like:
-
Insurance claims and disputes
-
Housing and rental problems including caravan parks
-
Credit, debt, fines and financial hardship
-
Eligibility for disaster relief grants and benefits
-
Employment – unfair dismissals, entitlements
-
Domestic violence
-
Other legal problems related to disasters.
Anyone affected by a disaster can get free help by contacting the Disaster Response Legal Service NSW helpline on 1800 801 529 (9 am to 5 pm weekdays).
You can also visit the DRLS website for fact sheets and information.
Murwillumbah Community Centre continued supporting role
MCC continues to provide support to people affected by the 2022 floods between Mondays and Thursdays operating from the Community HUB in Knox Park and in Chinderah upon request through the Chinderah Volunteer HUB until the end of August, when the funding contract finishes.
The program provides individual support and case coordination that includes access to material wellbeing and financial resilience (food hampers, electricity vouchers, access to other vouchers through GIVIT) and referrals to other specialist services for accommodation, Resilient Homes, mental health support and other areas of support.
The program is currently running Bunyarabugalma After the Floods, a locally designed Aboriginal wellbeing resource for healing and recovery that includes breathing, mindfulness, and movement techniques reconnecting to Bundjalung language and cultural knowledge. These sessions will be held in different locations in the Tweed. Please, call us form more information.
We are also running Community Connect training, hosted by Deep Listeners to build skills and support each other in future disaster events. Community members attending the training will be able to provide peer support to residents who may wish to share their stories and feel connected to others when going through difficult times. Venues and dates to be confirmed. Please, call us for more information.
Visit out Facebook page for more details or call us on 02 6672 3003.
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