The concert band building at Harry Bennett Park, Taree that has been significantly flood impacted on two occasions will be demolished by MidCoast Council.
The building was inundated during the 2021 flood event and again most recently during the May 2025 flood event.
The most recent flood event caused approximately $300,000 of damage to the building. The building was included in Council's $1 million flood insurance policy pay out however those funds were directed towards clean-up, make safe works and other more critical assets.
Council's Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell said it was unfortunate but was a decision that had to be made.
"The total community infrastructure damage bill across the MidCoast is in the order of $120 million so our insurance payment of $1 million didn't go very far as you would expect."
Mr De Szell said demolition of the building was the only logical outcome.
"Even if flood repairs were completed this building would still be in pretty bad shape, there's no guarantee it won't flood again so we have to be sure we a getting a resilient outcome that doesn't cost the community more into the future," he said.
The demolition process will begin in early 2026.
