The Crack to Tyalgum restored

THE road from Murwillumbah to Tyalgum is now open to double lane access for the first time in three and a half years.

Referred to by locals as ‘The Crack’, the deep fissure was caused by the 2022 floods, resulting in a landslip more than 100 m wide and 60 m deep, effectively blocking Tyalgum Road.

Member for Lismore, and NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said a better road had replaced the original.

“The improvements we’ve made to this road mean that it’s more likely to withstand the weather events of the future and stay open, so residents don’t get stuck,” Saffin said.

Tweed Shire mayor Chris Cherry said that Tyalgum Road had been one of the council’s major road works.

“Thanks to all the staff at Tweed Shire Council and SEE Civil who worked on this complicated project,” Cr Cherry said.

“Their teamwork and dedication have delivered an outcome which will benefit not only the village of Tyalgum, but the Tweed community for many years to come.”

NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said everyone deserved safe and reliable roads.

“The Minns Labor Government has quadrupled disaster recovery funding, from $190 million per year under the previous government, to an average of more than $800 million per year,” Aitchison said.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the reconnection marked a significant milestone for locals doing it tough.

“Disaster recovery isn’t just about rebuilding roads; it’s about restoring the vital lifelines that connect people to each other and to services,” McBain said.

“This is what disaster recovery funding is all about. Real outcomes that make a real difference in people’s lives, especially in regional communities.”

The Australian and NSW Governments funded the $24 million project through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Over 90 per cent of the SEE Civil employees and contractors were residents of the Tweed Shire.