Flood cover renewed for Tweed shire assets

TWEED Shire Council has reinstated its flood cover after investing $50 million in mitigation and resilience measures for community assets.

The council stated that the renewed (limited) coverage would deliver long-term financial savings and enhance the region’s recovery capacity from major weather events.

The 2022 floods caused widespread damage, affecting the council’s insurance risk profile. The result was a loss of flood cover and ratepayers potentially exposed to the financial impacts of future floods.

In partnership with state and Commonwealth governments, the council relocated key assets out of flood-prone areas and significantly improved others to better withstand climate-related risk.

Tweed Shire Council general manager Troy Green said that communicating about the projects was key.

“Our approach to this problem has involved some unconventional thinking, and it was important to us that the underwriters knew the extent of the work we had done,” Green said.

“We have been deliberate and strategic for our region’s future.”By investing in resilience projects, we’ve attempted to provide a win-win situation for everyone.”

A major component was the relocation and construction of a new $33 million council depot on flood-free land at South Murwillumbah, which is due for completion in June 2026.

Other flood-resilience measures, including replacing traditional fit-outs with flood-hardy materials, epoxy flooring, stainless steel and aluminium joinery, and raising data outlets and electrical outlets and switchboards above flood levels, have secured a sustainable life for numerous assets across the shire.

Mayor Chris Cherry said she was relieved that the dedication and commitment to rebuilding back better had paid off.

“Regaining our flood cover is a major win for the people of Tweed,” Cherry said.

“It means we can keep delivering essential services, respond faster after disasters, and spend less on recovery and more on what matters most to our community.”