Tweed land swap project named national flood award finalist

TWEED Shire Council’s Industry Central land swap at South Murwillumbah has been named a finalist for a national flood risk management award.

The project is in the running for Flood Risk Project of the Year at the 2026 Floodplain Management Australia Excellence Awards, which recognise leading initiatives across Australia and New Zealand.

The land swap was developed after severe flooding during ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017 exposed the vulnerability of the South Murwillumbah industrial precinct.

Council acquired more than 14 hectares of higher-ground industrial land, allowing businesses to relocate out of flood-prone areas while remaining within the Tweed.

The approach is designed to reduce long-term flood exposure and limit disruption to local businesses during major weather events.

Tweed Shire Council general manager Troy Green said the project reflected a shift in how councils approach flood risk.

“Recognition as a finalist in this prestigious award acknowledges a project that goes beyond traditional flood mitigation to deliver real, long-term resilience for our community and economy,” Green said.

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said the project showed the value of long-term planning.

“This project is about protecting people, jobs and the places that matter to our community,” the mayor said.

As part of the project, council also relocated its works depot to the new Industry Central precinct to help maintain essential services during future floods.

The award was won by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and NSW SES for the Northern Rivers Regional Community Flood Awareness and Preparedness Program.

The awards were announced on the Gold Coast on April 24.