An example of one of the homes that have been part of the buyback scheme in Murwillumbah.
Tweed Shire Council and the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) are working together on a resilience-focused master plan for the South Murwillumbah flood buyback precinct and have now appointed specialist consultants to lead the consultation and design process for the area.
Since the devastating floods in 2022, the RA's Resilient Homes Program has voluntarily purchased and is progressively removing properties at the highest risk of future flooding, protecting households and reducing long-term flood risk.
Whilst this is underway, RA and Tweed Shire Council are working together to determine how this land can be used in ways that are safe, resilient and beneficial for the wider community into the future. Importantly, this work will be informed by community consultation, with opportunities for residents, landowners and stakeholders to provide local insight and help shape future land use directions.
The first area being considered focuses on the precinct south of the Murwillumbah Bridge, along the Tweed River between Alma Street, Prospero Street, Colin Street, the Murwillumbah Railway Station including Railway Street and extends from Max Boyd Park to Buchannan Street (see Master Plan map below).
While the buyback land can't be reused for housing or short-term accommodation, the project will explore future land use options, including opportunities to enhance open space, recreation, walking and cycling connections, environmental outcomes and amenity, helping to better connect Murwillumbah and South Murwillumbah while responding to long‑term flood risk and climate change.
Council has engaged specialist consultants Hansen Partnership, in collaboration with Leisa Prowse Consulting, for the project. The engagement will include workshops with residents, landowners and local businesses to explore opportunities for open space, recreation, connectivity, environmental restoration, and other compatible non-residential uses.
The consultants will develop concept plans informed by community input and technical investigations before recommending planning and zoning changes that support safer, more sustainable long-term outcomes for South Murwillumbah.
The project also includes preparation of a precinct plan for the state heritage–listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, now a key tourism and recreation hub as the trailhead of the hugely popular Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Troy Green, General Manager of Tweed Shire Council, said the project represents a crucial step in creating a new and resilient area for the township and its visitors.
"We need to start seeing our floodplains as assets. This project helps pave the way for new uses that respect the natural environment while supporting the local economy and connecting Murwillumbah and South Murwillumbah," Mr Green said.
"Ultimately, it's about building a more resilient Murwillumbah for the long term by learning from past events and sharing knowledge."
NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said this wonderful project is a small but significant step towards mapping out a new future after one of the biggest disasters in modern Australian history.
"While the buyback land can no longer be used for housing, the appointment of the consultant, Hansen Partnership for the South Murwillumbah precinct will help the community -- and all levels of government -- decide what a safer future looks like here." Minister Saffin said
"It's all about Murwillumbah being better prepared for the next flood, responding better to the next flood, and having a better recovery after the next flood."
Community consultation is expected to start in coming months, with Council encouraging all South Murwillumbah residents, businesses and stakeholders to take part in shaping the next chapter for their neighbourhood.
Please subscribe to receive updates, opportunities to participate, and key notifications as the project progresses at yoursaytweed.com.au: South Murwillumbah Master Plan | Your Say Tweed
Tweed Shire Councillor Nola Firth, Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry and Councillor Kimberley Hone examine the Murwillumbah Master Plan precinct map in front of a buyback house.
Aerial Map of the Master Plan precinct in South Murwillumbah. Courtesy of RA.
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Caption: An example of one of the homes that have been part of the buyback scheme in Murwillumbah.
Image 2: Councillors and buyback home
Caption: Tweed Shire Councillor Nola Firth, Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry and Councillor Kimberley Hone examine the Murwillumbah Master Plan precinct map in front of a buyback house.
Caption: Aerial Map of the Master Plan precinct in South Murwillumbah. Courtesy of RA.
Connection to Council's Community Strategic Plan:
