Tweed Shire Council is no stranger to natural disasters, but recent events have tested its resilience like never before.
After enduring 2 ‘one-in-a-hundred-year’ floods within 5 years, the community is grappling with extensive, long-lasting damage – and a huge hit to morale.
Now, with traditional flood cover out of reach, Council’s aim is to one day become a ‘safe’ risk to insurers.
Find out how it’s embracing groundbreaking measures to strengthen flood defences and safeguard the area for years to come.
When disaster strikes twice
It’s been 2 years since disaster last swept through Tweed Shire, yet the community is still reeling from the effects.
Hit by catastrophic flooding in 2017 and again in 2022, the region saw homes, businesses and infrastructure wiped out – and thousands of people displaced.
The floods also affected Council’s works depot and plant, hampering its ability to respond to the crises. Now, it’s facing a fresh challenge: it can no longer access traditional flood insurance, leaving the Shire without crucial coverage.
‘Morale is a major concern, and many assets are still in disrepair,’ Tweed Shire Council General Manager Troy Green admits. ‘We need to make real changes to move beyond the scars of these disasters.’
With this in mind, the Tweed Shire team isn’t standing still. Instead, it’s collaborating with State and Commonwealth governments to improve its climate risk profile.
‘The ongoing threat to businesses and jobs means we must take action,’ Troy says. ‘So, we’re rolling out groundbreaking measures to improve the resilience of our community and assets against future floods.’
The plan to protect future generations – and assets
To protect future residents from the effects of catastrophic flooding and win back its insurability, Council has enacted a bold strategic plan to deliver:
- $1 million in upgrades to the Murwillumbah Community Centre, which will also be used as a post-flood recovery centre
- $2.3 million in restoration works to sporting facilities including relocating canteens and storage areas above flood levels
- A $530K+ overhaul of the Crabbes Creek, Chillingham and Tomball community halls, incorporating flood-resistant features like stainless steel kitchens and polished concrete floors
- $16 million investment for an industrial land swap precinct located above PMF flood levels to relocate crucial businesses
- $30 million investment to relocate Council’s works depot, which will also provide a staging area for emergency services such as the SES
- Installation of 12 flood-monitoring cameras to keep the community informed of conditions on flood-prone roads as well as to increase flood risk knowledge
- $16 million to restore and create flood resilience to flood-damaged community assets
- The demolition of 3 community buildings in high-velocity flood-prone areas
- Pumping station upgrades to protect Murwillumbah’s CBD and residential zones
The strategy ensures long-term stability and sets a new, ambitious benchmark in urban planning. And while the costs are significant, Council has learned that low-cost fixes don’t work in a region as flood prone as Tweed Shire.
‘The flood-resistant measures we implemented after 2017 – like removing internal walls and lifting power points – proved insufficient during the 2022 floods,’ Troy explains. ‘So, we’re embracing relocation of assets that are high-value, or in high-velocity flood paths.
‘We’re not going with the cheaper option. We’re trying to be strategic for our region’s future. By investing in resilience projects, we hope to be rewarded for our innovative thinking.’
At every step of the journey, Statewide Mutual has been there to lend a helping hand.
‘Statewide was a critical partner during both the 2017 and 2022 floods,’ says Troy. ‘The Mutual’s assistance and advice during our asset relocation and rebuilding efforts have been crucial in helping us address other risks – including fire, vandalism, graffiti and break-ins.’
Setting an example for other councils
Through this ambitious flood mitigation work, Tweed Shire Council is setting an example for its community and other councils by showing there is an innovative way forward in the fight against natural disasters.
And Troy hopes other councils will follow suit and consider the cost of not acting now.
‘It’s a one-in-a-hundred-year event, but it can happen at any time,’ he says. ‘We’re not just acting for current residents; we’re doing it for the generations to come.’
Want to find out how Statewide Mutual can help your council reduce risk? Get in touch with us today.