Tweed recovery efforts ramp up as clean-up begins

FLOOD RECOVERY is underway in the Tweed Shire, with a shirewide clean-up set to begin next week and boil water alerts lifted in several areas.

Disaster recovery funding from the Australian and NSW governments will allow Tweed Shire Council to conduct a free kerbside collection of cyclone-damaged waste and tree debris, helping residents avoid trips to the tip.

Tweed Shire Council’s director of sustainable communities and environment, Naomi Searle, said the priority is to clear cyclone damage efficiently and support residents.

“Strong winds and heavy rain from Ex-Cyclone Alfred have caused extensive damage across the Tweed and we have a huge task ahead as we clean up the cyclone damage, particularly trees and green debris.

“We’re working closely with the SES and emergency service agencies to clear trees from public and private property as safely and as quickly as possible.

“We understand it has been a difficult few days with power outages, water supply challenges and lack of telecommunication and internet access for many.”

Searle said Ex-Cyclone Alfred had left extensive damage across the shire.

“Our priority is to support our community, so we made the call to focus on a shirewide residential clean up service where we come to you and save you the trip to the tip.

The clean-up will be carried out suburb by suburb, with schedules to be announced in the coming days.

Residents are encouraged to place yard debris and cyclone-damaged hard waste on their kerbs, ensuring it does not block roads or bin collections.

Council has urged residents to remain patient as recovery efforts continue.

Boil water alerts have been lifted in Bilambil Heights, Terranora, and Banora Point after NSW Health confirmed the water supply is safe.

Residents are advised to flush their pipes by running water for two to three minutes before drinking.

For assistance with storm debris removal, residents can contact the SES on 132 500.