Tweed Shire Council is pleased to announce the completion of a major upgrade to Budd Park in Murwillumbah, marking a significant milestone in the town's recovery and revitalisation following the 2017 and 2022 flood events.
The revamped riverside park now offers an inclusive, flood-resilient space designed to meet the community's needs for generations to come.
Following community consultations in June 2024, where feedback helped shape the final design, the park now blends recreation, relaxation and resilience, fostering outdoor activity, social connection, and appreciation of the natural beauty along the Tweed River.
Key Changes to Budd Park:
A major part of the project involved the demolition of the flood-prone World Heritage Rainforest Centre (formerly the Murwillumbah Visitor Information Centre), which had been severely damaged during the previous floods. The area once occupied by the building is now parkland, increasing public access to open space. The Visitor Information Centre has since relocated to the Murwillumbah Railway Station, a key access point for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
The Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain says the federal government is committed to making more Australian communities disaster resilient.
"The Australian Government is proud to support projects that help its communities bounce back stronger after disaster," Mrs McBain said.
"The completion of the Budd Park upgrades mark a significant milestone in Murwillumbah's flood recovery journey, revitalising the park with enhanced disaster resilience for locals and visitors."
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Community Assets Program is a firm commitment to ensuring disaster-impacted communities in the Northern Rivers have what they need to rebuild and thrive.
"By assisting to restore Budd Park, the Australian and NSW Governments are ensuring infrastructure in Murwillumbah is more resilient and better equipped to withstand the increasingly frequent and intense weather events we are seeing across the region," Ms Moriarty said.
"Together with Tweed Shire Council, we are not just rebuilding a park – we are supporting a community in reclaiming and reimagining a much-loved public space. Budd Park is now a place for everyone to connect, reflect, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Tweed, all while standing stronger against future disasters."
Justine Elliot, Federal Member for Richmond said:
"As your local MP I'm proud to have delivered joint funding from the Federal and NSW Governments towards revitalising Budd Park in Murwillumbah.
"Following the 2022 floods the Albanese Labor Government committed to helping the North Coast build back better.
"The completion of the Budd Park upgrades to make it more flood resilient is yet another example of us delivering on this commitment."
Tweed Shire Council Mayor, Chris Cherry said that the revitalisation of Budd Park is an important step in our journey to recovery.
"The revitalisation of this park, as you enter the township, is a symbol of the community's resilience. It's a place where we can come together, enjoy the outdoors and celebrate our shared spirit," she said.
"The decision to remove the Rainforest Centre building prioritised safety and flood resilience for the future. We now invite the community to come down and enjoy this beautiful park."
Upgraded features of Budd Park include:
- Demolition of the World Heritage Rainforest Centre and internal road
- Minor repairs to the public toilet
- Retention of the western car park, now with an accessible parking bay
- Resealing of the eastern car park and improved access to Tweed Valley Way
- Accessible shelters, barbecues, picnic tables, seating and bins
- New pathways, bike racks and a drinking fountain
- Informative flood markers and public art elements
- Landscaping and new tree plantings
Disaster resilience and flood-resistant design:
The Budd Park upgrade incorporates key resilience features, including:
- Use of flood-resilient materials
- Drainage improvements to manage water flow and reduce erosion
- Anchored structures to ensure safety during floods
- Quick-recovery designs with accessible routes for clean-up and repairs
The new Budd Park embodies Council's commitment to inclusivity and community resilience, creating a welcoming space for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
This upgrade is part of a $15.5 million funding package from the Australian and NSW governments, Community Assets Program, aimed at restoring and improving flood-impacted community assets across the region.
Other recently completed upgrades across the Tweed
In addition to the Budd Park redevelopment, Council has completed a range of other improvements across our public parks and garden:
- Upgrade of Saddle Way Park in Murwillumbah, including new play equipment, nature play areas and landscaping.
- Upgrade of Crabbes Creek Community Hall, including a new public toilet.
- New public toilets at Willward Park (in Murwillumbah) and Chillingham Community Centre.
- Shade sails installed for sun protection in 4 local parks in Tweed Heads South and Pottsville.
- Updated play equipment at Cudgera Creek Park, Hastings Point.
- Roof replacements across 5 public toilets and one sports building in Casuarina to boost weather resilience.
- Upgraded changerooms at Queens Park, Murwillumbah.
- Improved park facilities and path connections along Overall Drive, Pottsville.
- Upgrade of the kitchen at Tweed Heads South Community Centre.
Over the next 6 months, Council will continue to undertake significant upgrades to improve the disaster resilience and accessibility of the following community facilities across the Tweed.
To stay up to date with future projects and improvements, visit the Community Assets Program webpage at tweed.nsw.gov.au/community-assets-program.
