The final 2022 flood‑damaged building restored under Council's Flood Restoration Program showcasing comprehensive upgrades at the John Rabjones and Les Cave Sports Facility.
Tweed Shire Council has completed the final building restoration project arising from the record‑breaking 2022 flood event, marking the conclusion of Council's extensive building restoration program.
The final works at the John Rabjones and Les Cave Sports Facility in Murwillumbah close out a $6.8 million resilience program delivered across approximately 40 flood‑damaged community buildings.
Project Director Flood Restoration, Kurt Heidecker, said the completion of the building program represents a major step forward in strengthening the Tweed's resilience to future extreme weather.
"This program has fundamentally changed how our community buildings withstand and recover from flooding," Mr Heidecker said.
"By building back better, we've reduced future recovery times, reduced building waste generated by disasters and ensured our facilities can reopen much sooner after severe weather."
The John Rabjones and Les Cave Sports Facility received a comprehensive package of upgrades, including flood‑hardened canteen works, improved drainage and irrigation, resilient grandstand upgrades, flood‑hardy clubhouse materials, new steel and aluminium staircases, upgraded decking and balustrades, a full roof replacement and a complete car park upgrade to improve accessibility.
These works were funded through the NSW Government's Office of Sport under the Sport Priority Needs Program (SPNP), the Essential Community Sport Assets Program (ESCAP) and the Community Assets Program (CAP).
Across the broader building portfolio, Council's strategic flood resilience program incorporated flood‑hardy materials, raised electrical systems and design improvements to minimise future damage. This approach contributed to the reinstatement of flood insurance for Council's building assets and earned recognition at the 2025 Statewide Mutual Risk Management Excellence Awards.
With all 2022 flood‑damaged building assets now restored — and 2025 Ex Cyclone Alfred building works well advanced, with 55 projects completed and 4 repairs underway — Council has delivered a long‑term investment in community infrastructure that is more resilient, easier to recover and better prepared for future extreme weather.
