At the official announcement of the beginning of works at Blacks Drain - L to R: Reece Byrnes, Tweed Shire Deputy Mayor; Troy Green, General Manager, Tweed Shire Council; Jenny Aitchison, NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport; Janelle Saffin, NSW Minister for Recovery and North Coast
A major upgrade to the Blacks Drain crossing on Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah has commenced, delivering a safer and more flood‑resilient road for the community.
The project will replace the repeatedly damaged crossing with a stronger, long‑term solution designed to withstand future severe weather events.
The crossing has washed away multiple times – in 1954, 2017 and again in 2022 – following the most significant floods in the Tweed's recorded history. The site also carries critical underground services, making it one of the most complex pieces of road infrastructure in the shire.
Director Engineering Tim Mackney said Council was committed to delivering a permanent fix that meets the needs of the community now and into the future.
"This project is about building something that lasts," Mr Mackney said.
"Every time this road goes under, the whole community feels it – so it's incredibly important we get this right and deliver a crossing that stands up to the kind of weather we're seeing more often."
"I'm proud of the work our teams have already done to stabilise the site, and I'm looking forward to seeing this long‑awaited upgrade finally take shape."
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said Australia is a land of extremes with seasons that can be harsh and unrelenting and North Coast locals know that better than anyone.
"I know firsthand what floods do to communities. I've seen the anxiety that sets in as storm season approaches and the uncertainty of not knowing whether the roads will hold. Whether you'll be able to get work, get your kids to school, or reach someone who needs help," Minister Aitchison said.
"The Minns Labor Government is determined to break that cycle by building infrastructure that's fit for the environment it lives in. Roads and crossings that don't just get repaired but get built back stronger."
"This is about giving people the certainty and confidence they deserve as each season comes around."
The project is part of the $22 million package allocated to 35 causeways across the Tweed Shire through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery package.
This Betterment package aims to improve resilience, productivity and social and economic outcomes for local and state transport infrastructure. At Blacks Drain, improvements include a rigid concrete pavement, upgraded pedestrian access, new traffic safety infrastructure and concrete slope protection.
To accommodate the new embankment and scour protection, approximately 800 m² of land on the eastern side of Blacks Drain is being formally resumed.
Construction on the permanent crossing is now underway, following the completion of the tender process earlier this year. Works will take around 20 weeks to complete, weather permitting. During construction, a temporary diversion track will be in place, traffic will be reduced to one lane but access will be maintained at all times.
The upgrade follows significant progress across the shire's flood damaged road network, including restoration works on Scenic Drive, Reserve Creek Road, Limpinwood Road, Numinbah Road, Nimbin Road, Kyogle Road and Tyalgum Road.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:
"With work now underway at Blacks Drain crossing, the Tweed Shire can look forward to safer and more reliable road travel.
"These upgrades will help maintain a vital connection to the Pacific Highway during flooding events.
"The Albanese Government is investing in projects like this across the country to increase disaster resilience and preparedness."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery and North Coast, Janelle Saffin:
"We aren't just repairing what was there before - we are investing in a stronger, more resilient crossing that gives our community the long-term confidence they deserve. It ensures that no matter what weather comes our way, the Tweed stays connected, strong, and moving forward together.
"As one of my own local roads, I know this stretch of the Tweed Valley Way well and am pleased to see this upgrade moving forward to keep our community safe and moving. This project is a fantastic example of the three levels of government working together to build back better.
"Roads in our region are lifelines that keep our communities connected.
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot:
"The Albanese Labor Government is helping the North Coast build back better, by repairing damaged infrastructure and roads while also making sure the region is more prepared for the future.
"As your local MP, I'm proud to be delivering funding to ensure that Tweed Valley Way is more resilient and reduce road closures following severe weather events."
Works have already started on site.
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Caption: At the official announcement of the beginning of works at Blacks Drain - L to R: Reece Byrnes, Tweed Shire Deputy Mayor; Troy Green, General Manager, Tweed Shire Council; Jenny Aitchison, NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport; Janelle Saffin, NSW Minister for Recovery and North Coast
Photo 2: Blacks Drain bulldozer
Caption: Works have already started on site
Connection to Council's Community Strategic Plan:
