Australia Day Week on the Tweed is become synonymous with floods and storms, after 100km winds and torrential rain swept through the area for the second year in a row.
Ex-tropical cyclone Oswald cut a swath through the region after spreading misery in Coastal Queensland before heading on to produce record flooding in Grafton and further down the NSW Coast.
Here on the Tweed, trees were uprooted and torn apart, the sand and foam from Kingscliff beach poured up into parkland along Marine Parade, the new Woolworths building site at Cabarita sustained damage, Chinderah suffered moderate flooding and both Tweed Heads Hospital and the Sands Hotel had their roofs damaged.
Janelle Batt, marketing manager for the Taphouse Group, who own the Sands, said the verandah roof was partially blown off on Sunday night, with more going on Monday morning.
“The staff have put in a huge effort relocating the backpackers to the lounge bar and cooking them meals and really providing the best care that they can,” she said.
“The lounge bar and bistro are closed today (Tuesday) – however the public bar and bottleshop are still open. The SES have taped off some metal sheeting from the roof which landed on the road. All systems go here – these guys are an amazing team and everyone has pulled together to make sure the backpackers are safe and comfortable.”
On Tuesday afternoon, as Chinderah Caravan Park residents evacuated and water threatened to cut the Chinderah-Cudgen part of the Coast Road, Tweed was declared one of 10 disaster areas in the State.
According to Member for Tweed and Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services, Geoff Provest, the declaration would “somewhat mitigate” the economic effects of the storm.
“I have spent much of the past few days with our local SES and other emergency service volunteers, so I can attest to their incredible professionalism,” Mr Provest said.
“As the floods recede and the cleanup continues, the full financial impact of this natural disaster becomes painfully apparent and that is where the NSW Government steps in with a range of assistance packages.
“The department of Police and Emergency Services provides disaster relief grants to families whose homes and essential items have been destroyed. People in this unfortunate situation should call 1800 018 444.
“Affected eligible small businesses and farmers can apply for subsidised loans of up to $130,000 from the NSW Rural Assistance Authority, which can be contacted on 1800 678 593.
“My Government would also provide massive financial assistance to Tweed Shire Council for emergency and restoration work.
“We recognise that the burden of this natural disaster cannot be borne by local ratepayers alone,” Mr Provest said.
Sporting clubs damaged by floodwaters can also apply for help of up to $12,000 from the NSW Treasury, by calling 02 9228 5181.
The storm also saw the road to Murwillumbah cut and Tumbulgum isolated. However, compared to other areas, Tweed Mayor Cr Barry Longland said the region had got off a little more lightly.
“Overall, you’d have to say the Tweed has been lucky in missing what could have been a major flood and widespread devastation,” Mayor Longland said.
“The flood has been determined to be moderate, with the Tweed River peaking at 4.6 metres at Murwillumbah yesterday (Monday) and reaching 1.85 metres at Chinderah today (Tuesday),” he said
“Having said that, there would no doubt be many tales of individual hardship and damage to properties, businesses and agricultural crops across the Tweed.
“At this stage, Council officers are preparing estimates on the level of damage which has occurred to Council assets. These estimates will then be submitted to the State Government, which in turn will use this information to ascertain whether a “natural disaster state” can be declared, which would allow for compensation funds to be made available for repair or betterment works to damaged assets.”
There have been a number of slips on Numinbah Road from Crystal creek to Chillingham, as well significant slips between Chillingham and the border and at Rowlands Creek near Uki.
Issues remain in relation to water supply and sewer services in Uki and Tyalgum. Council staff are continuing to ensure a minimum supply of drinking water to these villages. Tumbulgum sewerage system is not operational, due to inundation.
Residents of Uki and Tyalgum are asked to minimise their town water use. Tumbulgum residents are requested to minimise sewer use by taking shorter showers, reducing toilet flushing and delaying clothes washing.
“We thank residents in these villages for their cooperation,” Councillor Longland said.
Council staff are working on resolving some problems at the Lavender Creek pump station in Murwillumbah, which ceased pumping Tuesday night, resulting in higher than normal volumes of stormwater in that catchment. Pumps are now operating on manual controls.
There are a number of sewer overflows in Banora Point, Kingscliff and Murwillumbah.
“While sewer overflows do pose a potential health risk, these are not significant,” Councillor Longland said.
“However, it is a timely reminder that no-one should swim or wade through floodwater unnecessarily, for many reasons, as there could be submerged objects, debris, or contamination from a variety of sources,” he said.
“Also, we request motorists not to drive through closed roads, not only for your own safety, but also to prevent water from washing onto neighbouring houses and causing further damage,” he said.
“We’ve had a number of calls from distressed residents about the waves of water washing onto their houses.”
An assessment is underway at the seven holiday parks to determine the level of damage to the Tweed Coast Holiday Parks’ assets (managed by Council through a Trust), as well as the tenants’ property.
An initial assessment of beach erosion along the Tweed Coast has found the impact has not been significant, however a further review will take place over the next few days.
For flood assistance, please call the SES on 132 500.
For road closures, go to www.myroadinfo.com.
