Tweed Heads South Recovery Assistance Point (RAP) has extended its opening hours A new RAP will also be based inside Chinderah Scout Hall on Wednesday 2 April from 9 am - 5 pm.  Tweed Heads South Recovery Assistance Point (RAP) opening hours: The RAP is open to anyone who has been affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred and is looking for support with navigating the paperwork and confusion that comes with making claims after a disaster event Support is available from the Reconstruction Authority Don't miss this opportunity for assistance For further updates on Tropical Cyclone Alfred recovery visit the NSW Government website. For local updates, visit our Recovery Dashboard Connection to Council’s Community Strategic Plan: View all contact details View all our social media channels We wish to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans as being the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters within the Tweed Shire boundaries We also acknowledge and respect the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for its Country and to care for its traditional Country in accordance with its lore Current issue,  Podcasts,  NewslettersThe wild frontierby Mandy Sayer SocietyThe child gangs of Tweed Heads cycles home after another eight-hour night shift Seagulls arc and whirl above him and fishing trawlers cut through curtains of mist he suddenly squeezes the brakes and stops short: his car and front yard are strewn with rotting prawn shells This is not the first time he’s arrived home to see his property trashed For the past year a gang of local youths has relentlessly taunted and threatened him – pummelling him with rocks and eggs cutting off his power cables and accusing him publicly of paedophilia Martin’s many calls to local police so far have proved fruitless – they either don’t turn up to take a statement or don’t take his complaints seriously Martin climbs off his bike and walks through the piles of rubbish towards the verandah ruder stench: his front door and its handle are smeared with shit around the block and past a lagoon dotted with small yachts and boats He knows exactly where the culprits live – it’s only a short walk When he arrives at a white-cladding house on Riviera Avenue and spent years as his dying mother’s only carer yet nothing has tormented him as much as these local youths raises the gun to his head and pulls the trigger; the bullet is launched into the trees causing the myna birds to shriek and scatter He points the gun to his temple and squeezes the trigger hard From across the street the explosion sounds like a car backfiring A neighbour opens her front door to see a man lying face-up on a lawn I’m standing outside the now-empty suburban house of Martin Grove who died in hospital 24 hours after he shot himself last month It’s a 1970s white brick home with tinted windows the colour of beer and possibly the most run-down dwelling in the street shot from a .22-calibre rifle some time in 2009 “NSW Police Crime Scene – Under Surveillance” placed there by enraged neighbours after the police refused to declare the property a crime scene To date no legal action has been taken against any gang member linked with the harassment of and/or violent behaviour towards Grove and his many neighbours The area that is home to most of these gang members is neither a public housing ghetto nor an inner-city slum On a sunny Monday morning in Tweed Heads West currawongs chorus and an elderly woman is paddling in an inlet Backyards stretch down onto rivers and sandy beaches The only evidence of any gang activity is a nearby bus stop graffitied with tags and pornographic images was developed in the 1970s and ’80s and now houses a hybrid community: a combination of private homeowners – mostly retirees whose properties can fetch up to half-a-million dollars – and long-term welfare recipients many of whom are unemployed and living in public housing Having spent my teenage years growing up on a Melbourne Housing Commission estate poverty and society’s indifference can unite into a destructive force for working-class and welfare kids something that’s further exacerbated by a disillusioned peer group smashed the windows of parked cars and burned the neighbours’ washing hanging on the communal line; girls tattooed themselves using the spike of a broken bottle and a pot of blue ink got pregnant young then followed their single mothers into a pattern of fortnightly pension cheques and lifelong public housing It was depressing – to be sure – but it wasn’t dangerous; there were no violent attacks on innocent neighbours Its population of about 56,000 is divided in half falls under Queensland law (and is in a different time zone) The child gangs of Tweed Heads first caught my attention in November 2007 when I read about an 11-year-old boy who was part of a group that brutally battered an off-duty policeman The couple was walking along an east Coolangatta street late on a Friday night when they were surrounded by at least 20 children and youths One teenager smashed the unarmed policeman’s head so hard against a fence that its very foundations were almost uprooted His head was then stomped on and his wallet stolen Since that attack Tweed Heads has experienced a wave of crime committed by children and youths the local gang had harassed Martin to such an extent that he was preparing to sell his home and move the same youths who’d harassed Martin Grove intimidated and bashed another local resident who lives a block away from the site of Grove’s suicide Phil was riding his bicycle home in broad daylight when the gang of about 20 children and teenagers taunted him with accusations of being a paedophile pushed him off his bike and hit him over the head repeatedly with a cricket bat Later in the same week they turned up at his house with his terrified children and ex-wife Robin inside distorted by the bashing and the subsequent six stitches he received As the family waited for the police to arrive I meet Phil in the beer garden of the only pub left in Tweed Heads the “garden” is a fenced-off area by the car park with a fibreglass roof and two long wooden tables mostly filled with local men wearing shorts and thongs and holding glasses corseted in stubbie-coolers wiry man with his top two front teeth missing His hands tremble slightly as he re-lights his rollie still obviously affected by the bashings and threats “These kids are absolutely fearless,” he says. “I don’t know what they’re gonna do next.” He explains that in the past month he’s been harassed or assaulted on five occasions by the same gang “I know who they are and I know where they live a week after the incident with the cricket bat he called into the police station to check on the progress of the case and discovered that “the complaint hadn’t even been logged on the computer There was no record of the bashing.” The police brushed him off with the following statement: “We’ll charge them when Robin makes a statement and identifies the culprits.” Since the attack Robin has requested repeatedly for the police to do just that – to take her statement and allow her to identify the offenders – but the police don’t seem interested in pursuing the matter understaffed or just plain indifferent is hard to say but judging by the atmosphere in the Snake Pit on this Saturday afternoon the local residents are at their wits’ end an ex-nurse whose son developed schizophrenia due to cannabis abuse during his teenage years drags on her cigarette and leans across the table “I’ve seen groups of kids ambush a cop car and pelt it with beer bottles Currently there are about seven recognised youth gangs in the Tweed area – the Palmy Army Dark Neo Soldiers and Coomicub – all of whom is responsible for a string of attacks in and around the southern Gold Coast area for the past three years its members have “C” tattoos emblazoned on their bodies Local police suspect that many members of the Coomicub gang eventually grow up to join the Lone Wolf bikies who allegedly recently cut off a man’s earlobes Last November a 15-year-old boy was arrested for being part of a gang that caused more than $5000 worth of damage to the Tweed Heads indoor pool abducted a 16-year-old boy from his Tweed Heads South home bashed him in remote bushland and left him for dead (Fortunately he ended up in hospital and recovered.) That same month Murwillumbah High School was broken into and all of the 18 chickens and roosters that were part of an agricultural program were slaughtered Kingscliff High School was the site of 13 break-ins and thefts elderly resident Roberta Cross heard a series of explosions: all of her windows had been shattered by shots from air rifles wielded by teenagers who then ran off laughing was left fearing for her life last year when a group of kids tied a piece of string close to the ground between two posts at the front of her driveway She tripped over it and fell face-first onto the concrete Like many residents fearful of violent reprisals Yet another local had faeces smeared on her car her fence kicked down and eggs thrown at her house It would seem the local police force is overwhelmed overworked and perhaps simply over the multiple dysfunctions of Tweed Heads Here in the Snake Pit it’s so hot a woman standing in the doorway pours the dregs of her Bundy and Coke down her cleavage to cool herself has just been denied another beer for the second time by the barmaid He glumly sips iced water while Phil and I continue to chat join our table and conversation; two of the three are already drunk complains that her teenage son’s best friend has been missing for four days She says her son refuses to tell her where his friend is staying adding that the only way she can get her son to go to school every day is to stop at McDonald’s for breakfast along the way “he just stays for one period then changes out of his school uniform and pisses off for the day.” a blue-eyed Aboriginal woman in her late thirties runs around with a gang of boys she suspects has been involved in a series of burglaries “When he comes home in the morning he could be riding a new bicycle or carrying a new plasma screen If I ask him where he got them he just says he found them or that someone gave ’em to him.” Fiona shrugs as if the situation is beyond her control and confesses that she herself was a child gang member during the ’80s after escalating problems with her own mother drove her onto the streets “I had fun.” But she’s quick to add that the gangs of the ’80s weren’t interested in violence “We just used to get pissed and do speed and sleep on the beach at night.” Until recently was part of local gang the South Side Soldiers the female members of which are referred to as the South Side Sluts a dark-skinned giant who reminds me of Chief Bromden in One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest leans across the table and begins telling me about his challenges in raising a teenage boy His wife was an alcoholic who gave birth to a son with foetal alcohol syndrome and abandoned the baby several days later (His only daughter died of a brain tumour when she was 11.) relocated from Sydney to Tweed Heads to seek a better slower environment for his “special needs kid” Once Locky began attending the local high school He began associating with a local gang who convinced him to stop taking his medication (lest he become “a junkie”) Locky would disappear for days at a time with his new friends; when he did return home Tom would find him asleep on his bed and see the words “Tweed Breed” inked on his arm Often in the corner of the room there would be a new television or an iPod still in its original packaging “Lock ’em up?” He gives up trying to roll a joint he’s been working on for some time and pockets his bundle of pot that is exactly what he has done with his son he took the radical step of removing Locky from school – and Tweed Heads He now lives permanently with professional carers on a rural property outside the NSW town of Casino The publican taps Booney on the shoulder and announces Ya better go home.” Booney rolls his eyes and groans The publican laughs and begins picking up empty glasses “It’s better to beg for forgiveness,” he says I realise the publican’s advice could well be the official saying of this unruly place a border town that has been planned so badly the local council should prostrate itself before the local ratepayers downtown Tweed was flanked by a wide river a man in his fifties who has lived here all his life it was around this time that the council reclaimed the public land and riverbank The charming weatherboards and fibro fishing shacks from an earlier era are almost extinct having been replaced by generic orange brick houses from the ’70s and ’80s instead of waterside parks lining one side of the main street it is dominated by chainstores such as Liquorland “Fifty years ago there were three times as many people around on the streets,” says Manny this is a city built around the motor vehicle rather than the pedestrian Scores of car dealerships line the main street yet there are only two restaurants “The council doesn’t like young people around here,” adds Mark gesturing at the sprawl of cars outside the local bowling club pensioners shuffle around playing pokies; Keno results are announced over a PA; and a man on crutches sells raffle tickets for a meat tray It comes as no surprise when I learn that the Tweed Shire has the second-highest population of over-65s in NSW just behind the retirement haven of beachside Port Macquarie it’s obvious that the council has prioritised the needs and predilections of the retirees and tourists moving here from other regions over the local families and children It feels like a place where people come to die most of the youth gang members live in the southern and western suburbs of Tweed The only recreational amenity in the area for children and teenagers is a concrete skate park that was built recently next to the local high school It has since become a common meeting place for the gangs at night who lives with his elderly mother and his brother [But] this is a new generation of shit.” Two years ago Manny was attacked by a group of six kids aged around 14 and 15 He had to rip a branch off a tree to defend himself and scare them off Along the route he takes from the pub to his home he’s even sequestered weapons in particular places as a precaution watching TV and playing computer games,” he continues they start texting one another and meeting up to cause trouble Why should anyone have to lock themselves in their own house?” the area is beset with intense drug and alcohol abuse “The Tweed Shire has the third-highest percentage of arrests for the production and/or distribution of illegal substances in the state It’s the major manufacturing port supplying drugs for south-west Queensland.” Provest explains that 53 kilograms of illicit drugs were confiscated in the Tweed–Byron Local Area Command in 2009 “yet the Tweed–Byron Local Area Command does not even have a dedicated drug squad the Tweed Shire also has the highest incidence of drink driving per capita in the country.” Provest adds that Tweed Heads is the fastest growing regional area in the state – it’s actually becoming an outer suburb of Brisbane – yet there’s very little reliable public transport All juvenile parole officers are based in Lismore and it takes an hour by bus to get there Novice drivers are only allowed one passenger after 11 pm these kids would be getting a lift home,” he says In the past 12 months in the Tweed Shire there were 2200 reports of child neglect and/or abuse with about 80 kids removed from their homes by DoCS “The parents know that if their kids are going to be removed they’ll lose most of their welfare benefits,” says Provest “So what they do is move the family over the border into Queensland for six months – look it could be only a few blocks away from their residence in NSW – but because it’s a different state their files don’t follow them and they start all over again with Queensland welfare.” And apparently if Queensland’s Department of Communities does begin a separate investigation the same family simply disappears over the border Provest tells me he often goes out on police patrols at night so he stays in touch with the multiple problems facing the community “often pick up kids as young as 10 and 11 wandering around the streets in the early hours of the morning with nowhere to go When the police drop them off at their houses the parents aren’t even home.” He adds: “These gangs are committing some terrible crimes but at least a gang will care about these kids and look after them.” It’s clear to me that the dysfunction in the town extends way beyond uncontrollable kids and an uncomprehending It seems as if there’s an entire generation that has gone missing – the one that should be between the children and retirees Most of the mothers and fathers I’ve met thus far are single parents who live on welfare All but three of the 30-odd I have spoken to admit to regularly imbibing alcohol and drugs Hardly any work full-time and most have no plans to do so No wonder Provest is currently raising funds for a youth refuge in Tweed Heads; I find myself thinking that he should consider opening a second refuge for many of the parents Phil Gadsby has invited me to Riviera Avenue to meet a few other people who have been terrorised by the local kids Frustrated by the lack of police protection his neighbours have heard I’m in town and are both anxious to talk to me about their problems and relieved that someone is finally paying attention All except Phil insist on anonymity; they refuse to be photographed and are too scared to walk down the street with me past the houses where the gang members live Even the local journalist who has reported on child gang activities in the Tweed Daily News for the past two years confesses that he publishes those articles without a by-line because his kids go to the same school as the gang members and he fears for their safety Phil’s neighbour – we’ll call him Steve – tells his story rapidly as if he’s being timed and is trying to beat the clock Steve’s six-year-old son was riding his scooter out the front of their house and made a passing remark to one of the gang members who took offence and began swearing at and threatening the boy Steve confronted the teenager and tried to get rid of him and his mates which resulted in him being attacked by six gang members in his front yard Steve rang the police to report the incident; they turned up to take his statement two hours later In an echo of Phil’s dealings with the police when Steve went to check on the progress of the complaint there was no record of it “They hadn’t even logged it in the computer … They only took down notes at my place and that was the end of it.” Steve sighs heavily and shrugs his shoulders “Almost everyone around here has been attacked They’ve all had their houses pummelled with rocks These kids just think the cops and the law are a joke.” Phil and Steve have contacted the police more than eight times over separate incidents of gang harassment and violence with little attention or co-operation in return one policeman advised Steve to defend himself a cricket bat and a fishing rod beside the front door.” only allowing himself to fall asleep when the sun comes up he has a contingency plan for his kids if the gang strikes again: they will either hop over the back fence and run to a neighbour’s house Steve has installed a removable doorknob on the same door for further protection “I’ve had about a dozen people willing to back me up,” adds Phil Phil tells me that after he reported his fourth assault to the police he made an off-the-cuff remark to the attending officer: “We should get together our own gang and deal with this ourselves we can’t do anything ’til we catch them in the act But if you can deal with it yourselves we’ll turn a blind eye.” “I’ve already warned the cops that I’ll be looking after myself now folding his leg to rest one foot on his other knee The rate of absenteeism in the Tweed–Byron police force is unusually high Tweed Head’s NSW Police Association representative Troy Hamilton admitted about 26% of their officers were unavailable for full-time work “The command as at the end of November 2009 had 13 officers on long-term sick leave 13 officers on restricted duties and 16 officers classified as part-time,” Mr Hamilton said went on sudden and indefinite sick leave on 30 December 2009 A number of the police stations in the area are manned only during office hours rather than 24 hours a day a situation that led to the near-fatal bashing of the Indian student Sachin Surendran last June on the steps of the Coolangatta Police Station “There is no point in having a police station if it’s not always open,” Surendran said late last year before fleeing the country and returning to India permanently took the extraordinary step of urging parents to dob in their kids to the law But of course it’s difficult for parents to report their children if they don’t know where they are the NSW government approved legislation to fine parents up to $2500 for a first offence of failing to ensure their children attend school as Clarence Nationals MP Steven Cansdell notes “Magistrates can fine parents all they want but they are not going to pay the fine because they have not got the money to start with.” Curious to speak with the local constabulary “Have you spoken to the police media yet?” he demands he tells me that I have to request permission from a liaison office in Sydney first I remind him that in the past few months he’s been quoted frequently in the local newspaper “So you’re telling me that I’m not allowed to speak to any policeman or policewoman in Tweed Heads while I’m here?” He gives me a Sydney number to call and when I do the answering officer gives me an email address telling me to send through an outline of my subject matter and a request to interview Sergeant Carey I do this immediately and also include my full contact details and the direct number of Sergeant Carey then three days pass and I still haven’t received a reply from the Sydney liaison officer or indeed any representative of the Tweed Heads police I can’t seem to shake a niggling suspicion that they are collectively indifferent “The cops aren’t interested in catching these kids,” says Les the owner of a burger bar on Kennedy Drive in Tweed Heads West “just sit on their arses all day in their cars down at the intersection either fining people for making an illegal right-hand turn or breathalysing them.” On his mobile phone he shows me photos of two male friends: their eyes are black and swollen shut and their faces are ravaged with cuts and bruises as if they’re victims of a serious car accident they were walking home after a night shift at the resort Twin Towns when they were attacked by a group of youths who beat them badly “Just for something to do.” Even though the men can identify the kids this particular gang still remains at large “It’s like a teenager trying to get out of the washing-up every night,” complains Phil Gadsby’s twin sister Kerry referring to the inaction of the local police and as she speaks her hands dart around in the air “And parents need to stop playing the victim,” she adds “A lot of single mothers and fathers up here spend their money on drugs I gave up alcohol years ago and I still go to AA “Phil’s rung me up a couple of times in the past week,” says Kerry He’s ready to jump off a bridge.” She tells me that Phil had already been juggling problems before the bashings began last month: finances but to be attacked and harassed on top of it …” her voice trails off and she glances at the passing traffic “Now his kids are too scared to leave the house.” Kerry has rallied the local community to reject vigilante action and instead lobby for tough new curfew laws their parents should be fined.” It sounds reasonable in theory but I wonder how effective the proposed curfews will be considering that the parents themselves are often not at home “My concern is for the next generation,” Kerry explains “I don’t want to see any more people get hurt.” A few minutes later she introduces me to someone from this “next generation” an Aboriginal teenager who has been friends with local gang members since primary school Sienna sports bleached blonde hair and nose rings though she’s nervy and tense and slumps in her plastic chair Sienna tells me she has made a list of names of the lead members of the gang that intimidated Martin Grove and attacked Phil Gadsby (and many others in the area) but says the police weren’t interested in pursuing the matter Sienna insists that once a kid becomes a member of a particular gang it can be difficult As a consequence of the 2007 bashing of Rawson Armitage and his girlfriend was sent to juvenile detention for three weeks After his release he tried to reform himself but was soon drawn back into the group through persistent peer pressure were arrested for attempted robbery – this time Roland almost went to jail With the help and encouragement of his girlfriend Roland again tried to “go straight” and leave The other members responded by threatening to kill his grandmother The poor woman was too scared of the gang to report the assault to the police or even attend the local hospital when the bashing of the grandmother failed to return Roland to the fold the gang turned up at his door with a gun and threatened to shoot him “The girlfriend was the one who changed Roland and got him out But now the gang wants to kill them both.” delivered with an odd mixture of resignation and bravado I’m shocked by how hopeless life seems for these kids even for the ones who attempt to forge a more prosperous future When I ask her what it’s like to grow up here Everywhere you walk there’s someone trying to bash you.” She admits that when she was in primary school she was expelled for throwing a chair at another Indigenous student who called her “a wigger” (“white nigger”) and after more than 800 reports of bad behaviour on her high school record that Sienna made a concerted effort to change “I realised that if I didn’t get my shit together I was gonna end up just like them I’m just trying not to hang out with wankers.” Sienna completed her High School Certificate and is now studying children’s services at TAFE In her final year of school she studied Aboriginal painting and found that she has a talent for it She’s planning to teach painting to local kids Kerry and Les and hail a taxi to take me down Riviera Avenue We approach the home of members of the gang that locals believe is responsible for the bashings of Phil Gadsby and others I see a manicured front lawn lined with saplings the same lawn on which Martin Grove shot himself dead only a few weeks earlier Lying on the grass are two bicycles and an upturned skateboard It all looks so impossibly suburban and innocuous it’s hard to imagine the home is also the unofficial headquarters of a violent gang I am quietly amazed to see a perfectly neat living room with a polished coffee table and rows of figurines; in the background a television murmurs an ad for KFC For a moment I think I’ve arrived at the wrong house I knock on the door and a short thin woman in her late forties appears on the other side of the screen her face so drawn and haunted she looks more like an apparition than a human being her hand flies to her throat and she begins to tremble I feel a rush of empathy for her – for this frightened twig of a woman whose husband works all night and who is clearly struggling to raise three wild teenage boys she tells me her two older sons are not at home but she’d be prepared to speak with me “under the right circumstances” I ask her what the right circumstances might be “Once I get permission from my husband.” When I hear her say this As she unlocks the screen door to take my card and phone number appears by her side and peers at me with a mixture of curiosity and interest His eyes are bright; he has a shock of blond hair and his tanned face is beginning to peel just like thousands of other average Australian kids The neatness of the house combined with the boy’s ordinariness and good health unsettle me further as if all the information and accounts I’ve gathered so far might not be true after all But my confusion quickly dissipates when I climb back into the cab and we begin to drive down the block A boy is standing in the middle of the road as if deliberately trying to block our way but his sun-tanned back is tattooed with a galaxy of blue stars that glint in the sunlight the sweat pearling down his neck – a blond-haired Adonis who wouldn’t look out of place on a New York catwalk or in an Armani catalogue Suddenly his chiselled features retract into a scowl and he spits on the hood of the taxi The Monthly is a magazine published by Schwartz Media For subscription enquiries, call 1800 077 514 or email [email protected] For editorial enquiries, email [email protected] Friends of the Pound president Sonia Trichter with Snowy Friends of the Pound (FoP) President Sonia Trichter began with the organisation as a volunteer in 2010 and soon afterwards took the helm in 2012 “It’s wonderful and a real achievement,” Trichter said of the milestone “We’ve just made a video with two founding members and another lady that came in after they started which is kind of a history document and was a great experience.” The animal lover and cat foster mother had a long career in telecommunications spending 32 years with Telstra while raising her family and relocated to the Tweed region 15 years ago “We came here in 2010 as we have kids here and we retired and built a home,” she said and that’s where it all started.” FoP is in a temporary home at Tweed Heads South while Tweed Council builds a new Animal Management Facility on Lundberg Drive in South Murwillumbah The new rehoming centre will be completed by late 2025 and will care for surrendered and stray dogs Anniversary events in coming weeks include a 25-year Celebration Lunch at Murwillumbah Services Club on May 8 an Afternoon Tea at Club Tweed on May 27 and a fundraising trivia night at South Tweed Sports Club on May 30 and the community for photos or memorabilia to include in the special anniversary display at the celebration lunch Community members can email or drop them off at the centre in South Tweed Trichter said that while the organisation always needs donations its greatest need will be volunteers in the near future “We will start advertising for volunteers soon and that’s for people who wish to volunteer with dogs and foster carers but also look after them at the centre and other roles “We’re inviting the community and our supporters to celebrate with us at one of the events,” she said To find out more about FoP or to join in the festivities, head to friendsofthepound.com/25years This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) A man has died after allegedly being assaulted outside a home on the Queensland-NSW border overnight Police were called to a house on William Street in Tweed Heads South amid reports of an assault about 3.15am Police have established a crime scene and are investigating with the assistance of Homicide Squad detectives Anyone with information is urged to contact Tweed Heads Police or Crimestoppers If you’re hitting the road with a caravan in search of the sub-tropical climes of NSW’s far north coast, there are plenty of sites to power up and call home in the Tweed region. Even if you’re travelling without a camper or trailer cabins and campgrounds are a great option for revelling in the laid-back vibes From riverside relaxation in Tweed Heads to kid-friendly Hastings Point and the beachside chill of Kingscliff these memory-making stays are brimming with charm This award-winning bells-and-whistles Tweed Heads caravan park is a kids’ holiday nirvana Stay in a variety of powered sites or opt for a cabin The Green Cauldron Waterpark is the stuff of childhood dreams while Lizzie’s Lagoon is a more sedate place for a fresh dip Paddle the billabong then retreat to the camp kitchen to cook up a feast come dinnertime Set directly on Terranora Inlet, this riverside caravan park is perfect for those holidaying with their furry friends powered sites and sites that accommodate larger RVs There are also studio cabins and pet-friendly cabins plus the Riverview Retreat which sleeps up to eight The most northerly and largest of seven locations run by Tweed Holiday Parks, this spot on Terranora Creek is a tranquil place for a retreat. It’s a short walk to the town centre but feels entirely cloistered from the nearby bustle with its own saltwater lagoon and boat ramp Stay in a powered site (six with en suite) cabin or grass tent site and enjoy the pool and waterslide Escape the heat and swim at the expansive pool in Tweed Holiday Parks A range of cabins, powered and unpowered sites, some with en suites and some pet-friendly, are available at this Tweed Heads caravan park. Enjoy close proximity to both the Tweed River and some of the best beaches on the Gold Coast It’s fairly rudimentary but tidy and comfortable with a small pool On the southern bank of the Tweed River, this calm spot set on the aquamarine-hued water is perfect for exploring the surrounding region. The Colonial Tweed Caravan Park has a swimming pool overlooking the river camp kitchen and amenities block to service powered sites There are also cabins and en suite sites available Choose from a range of luxury villas and en suite cabins as well as riverside and en suite-powered sites Access to the pristine Tweed River is immediate at this Chinderah caravan park thanks to the onsite private boat ramp and harbour You can choose from villas or powered sites and unwind by the pool it’s perfect for a low-key trip and you’re in easy reach of Kingscliff and other Tweed coast towns As with the other caravan parks set on this stretch of the river, you’re treated to vistas of majestic Wollumbin (Mt Warning) awash with purple hues come sunset at Chinderah Village Tourist Park boating and watersports are the key attractions here With Fingal Head Beach stretching out before you, this picturesque spot delivers on summer holiday vibes or stroll to Fingal Head Lighthouse direct from the campground surfari tent or powered site (some with en suites) You’re also only 10 minutes from Tweed Heads Settle into a safari tent at Tweed Holiday Parks This small Kingscliff caravan park has less than 50 sites The expansive beach is on your doorstep and the vibrant town centre is just two kilometres away Or you could hire one of the grounds’ bikes and cycle in for an arvo ice cream surfari tents and powered sites (with or without en suite) but you’ll need to keep your fur baby at home Kingscliff Beach is only a few steps away from both Tweed Holiday Parks in Kingscliff The twin to Tweed Holiday Parks’ north Kingscliff location this southerly ground offers an award-winning beachfront stay Sandwiched between the beach and the main street this park is ideal for those who don’t want to miss out on any of the action Spend all day on the beach then fall asleep to the waves in either a luxury ocean cabin Nestled between the Tweed River and Kingscliff Beach, this caravan park offers the best of both worlds which are dispersed across 10 acres of subtropical landscaping Guests and encouraged to take the 2.5-kilometre stroll to the beach or the shorter walk to watch a riverside sunset While not as polished as the other Kingscliff parks it’s still a great option ofr families Overlooking the watery playground of Cudgera Creek and across to the beach, this Hastings Point caravan park offers the prime spot for those who love to fish Cudgera Creek teems with frolicking families submerging themselves in the crystal waters It’s the perfect swim spot for young kids while the beach offers more robust play and good sets for surfers Bed down in a surfari tent or powered site and This is an all-round box-ticker for caravan park accommodation While close to the beach and Cudgera Creek this resort also offers plenty to keep you onsite There’s Sammy’s Lagoon water park to keep the kids amused as well as the incredible Marine Discovery Centre The icing on the cake is the adults’ only leisure centre You can stay in everything from budget to premium cabins or powered and en suite sites Settle in at the resort’s spacious dining space Pottsville is the perfect family holiday destination with its charming town, long beach and gentle Mooball Creek. This north-positioned park enhances good times with two swimming pools It’s a short drive into town or slightly longer walk and is in easy reach of Tweed coast towns like Cabarita and Hastings Point Positioned on the water at the southern end of town, this Pottsville caravan park is well-positioned to soak up long With cabins and sites facing Mooball Creek it’s easy access to slip into the calm waters for a swim or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding where you’ll find great cafes and restaurants The Mooball Creek caravan site boasts the perfect spot for a sundowner Little-known Wooyung is a beachside agrarian gem at the most southerly point of the Tweed Shire. Bare feet and salty hair rule this rustic but idyllic spot. Choose from cabins, studio rooms and powered or unpowered sites. A short five-minute drive to Pottsville and just 15 minutes to the coastal gem of Byron Bay You can set up for a short, one-week stint in this dog-friendly caravan and campground in Murwillumbah. You’re well-positioned to peruse Murwillumbah’s up-and-coming dining scene, which features plenty of locally run restaurants touting fresh produce While it’s a bit of a barebones set-up across the 25-site campground Tucked into the foothills of the heritage-listed Wollumbin (Mt Warning) National Park and bordered on one side by Korrumbyn Creek, Mt Warning Rainforest Park is the perfect spot to take in the mountain air and reconnect with nature cabin or camping site and let the rainforest dissolve any residual stress Seek solitude in Hosanna Farmstay’s idyllic campground Working for many of Australia’s top publications Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" quietly making a comeback on the NSW North Coast now boasts a collection of must-visit attractions Australian Traveller Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we live and work There has been significant beach erosion on the Tweed Coast Residents are strongly urged to prioritise their safety as Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to impact the Tweed with Council staff working tirelessly around the clock to ensure safety preparedness and in readiness for recovery.  Mayor Chris Cherry expressed confidence in the community’s resilience acknowledging the hard work of Council staff and the ongoing support of emergency services.  “We want all residents in the Tweed to know that Council is fully committed to taking every possible measure to ensure we are prepared for any eventuality from Tropical Cyclone Alfred I’ve already witnessed the outstanding resilience of our staff and the community “It’s something we are known for as Australians and as people from the Tweed we do whatever it takes to help each other in times of need It truly makes me proud to see such dedication and unity," Cr Cherry said.  “I like to commend the Australian and NSW governments on their swift action to activate disaster assistance for 15 local government areas in northern NSW “Knowing this assistance will be made available is crucial as we make decisions on how best to deliver services and support our community Cr Cherry highlighted the collaborative efforts underway in the background to keep the community informed and safe.  many of our Council staff have been working tirelessly and delivering critical communications to prepare as thoroughly as possible and keep everyone informed I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the invaluable efforts of the State Emergency Service (SES) and other agencies who have been on the ground responding to calls and keeping our community safe."  Council staff are also liaising with essential service providers to ensure the community is prepared for potential disruptions to power and water supplies.  "Preparing for an event like this is a massive effort and we are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated team of Council staff emergency services and volunteers supporting our community,” she said.  “We’ve endured a challenging few days as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches and we still have a long way to go We know many of you are experiencing power outages road closures and disruptions to facilities and services Please stay safe as we work together to manage through this event."  Council facility and service updates:  Council offices in Tweed and Murwillumbah will be closed on Thursday 6 Phone and after-hours services will continue as usual via 02 6670 2400 Council’s plant and equipment fleet has been relocated to safe and strategic locations across the Tweed ready for deployment to assist the community when it is safe to do so.  including those on Commercial Road near Murwillumbah CBD but please note they rely on power and communications networks.  The Tweed tap water supply is heavily reliant on power which may be disrupted due to high winds or flood damage Store 3 days of supply - at least 10L per person of drinking water in preparation of power outages or interruptions to water supply.  we ask them to take the following actions:  Council expects sports fields across the Tweed to be closed this weekend please visit the Sports Fields and Closures page or the Tweed Emergency Dashboard.  Facility closures until further notice:   Stay safe and look out for one another during this challenging time.  Many businesses have made preparations for what is to come Photo 1: Hastings Point erosionCaption: There has been significant beach erosion on the Tweed Coast Photo 2: Sandbagging in MurwillumbahCaption: Many businesses have made preparations for what is to come Connection to Council’s Community Strategic Plan: Call 02 6670 2136 or email for all media or interview requests We wish to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans, as being the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters within the Tweed Shire boundaries. We also acknowledge and respect the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for its Country and to care for its traditional Country in accordance with its lore, customs and traditions. The Shire wide residential clean up will commence on Monday 17 March Photo 1: Residential clean upCaption: The Shire wide residential clean-up will commence on Monday 17 March straddling the border between the vibrant Gold Coast strip and the serene seaside towns to the south the coastal city stretches out to host a range of homes from modern high-rise apartments with broad balconies to waterfront retreats lining the canals and river Browse Domain’s property and lifestyle magazines Ash Witty of Harcourts BMG describes living in Tweed Heads as having “the best of both worlds” He describes a lifestyle of charm and convenience – one that he treasures with his family “Tweed really delivers on the promise of a perpetual holiday,” he says and sail out to a marine park to dive with turtles and dolphins — it’s hard to convey just how bloody good it is.” Domain’s latest House Price Report puts the median house price in Tweed at $948,500, a notable 47.1 per cent rise over five years. Premium properties, particularly those gracing the waterfront, fetch prices in the millions, affirming Australians’ enduring love for water views. “In the past, the relaxed lifestyle and affordability attracted young families and retirees,” Witty says. “These groups have enriched the community, bolstering home-grown businesses whose high-quality services have gained national recognition, which, over time, has drawn more affluent buyers to the area.” Contributing to the local tapestry is Tweed Eco Cruises, a second-generation, family-run business that has navigated the Tweed River since 1996. Captain Kylie Petersen runs a familial crew, with her dad still attempting to give orders, her daughter trying to teach her social media, and her mum maintaining peace onboard. Where locals get private-island perks for staggering prices Living in this beach celeb-filled 'burb is 'Sydney at its finest' Locals have a 'profound affection' for this bayside 'burb “The best part of our cruises is showcasing local produce,” says Petersen. “We operate as a floating platform featuring the finest local offerings, from dairy and seafood to crafted spirits, all sourced within an 80-kilometre radius, celebrating the rich bounty of our region.” Petersen’s passion for Tweed is infectious. Called back from international travels 25 years ago to help launch the family business, she remains deeply anchored to the area. “One of my favourite places is Stotts Island, a sanctuary in the middle of the river and home to over 300 species of trees and incredible birdlife,” she says. “Often, I find myself silently contemplating atop the deck, in awe of the river’s rich history – it feels like a scene from Jurassic Park. Yet, it’s home, and it’s magical.” The information on this website is intended to be of a general nature only and doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. where we are privileged to live and operate The Weekly SOURCE is published by DCM Media We thank the community for their input to the initial survey which closed on Sunday 6 August 2023. Community input has an important role in the study. It helps us understand your personal experiences from past flood events as well as identify potential flood risk management options detailed flood model of the river and stormwater drainage system across Tweed Heads South and Banora Point Once the model is developed it will be calibrated against historic flood information which includes flood marks surveyed by Council as well as the survey responses you provided Further community consultation will be conducted at appropriate stages of the project For more information visit yoursaytweed.com.au/ths-levee-drainage-study with support from the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) has engaged flood specialists Catchment Simulation Solutions to prepare a detailed levee and drainage study for Tweed Heads South and Banora Point The study follows on from significant flooding in March 2017 as well as February and March 2022 These events caused widespread and devastating impacts on our community including Tweed Heads South and Banora Point The current study will build upon the Tweed Valley Floodplain Risk Management Study that was completed in 2014 It will provide a detailed understanding of drainage behaviour behind the levee as well as the potential consequences of levee overtopping from riverine flooding will form the basis for investigating options that could be implemented to better manage the flood risk This is probably not the page you’re looking for A man has been rushed to hospital and a weapon seized after a daylight attack at a shopping centre on the Queensland-NSW border Emergency services were called to Tweed City Shopping Centre in Tweed Heads South about 3.30pm Paramedics treated the man at the scene for facial injuries and he was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital A weapon has been seized for forensic examination Anyone with information or footage of the incident is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Community centres and hallsAuditorium hire Council provides a range of venues to help create a strong We are proud of the role we play in assisting communities to continue to manage their community buildings and to retain them as a focal point for community life and celebrations Kindly note there is no smoking in any of Council's buildings and that some venues don't allow 18th or 21st birthdays school formals or other high-risk functions To find out more information about these buildings, search our facilities, look at availability or book online, visit tweed.bookable.net.au or call us on 02 6670 2400 Our community centres are hubs for learning all our centres are accessible and available for hire For hire fees, terms of use and online bookings visit Bookable Located in the seaside village of Kingscliff Refurbished in 2018 the hall includes a modern catering kitchen accessible toilet and doors that open up into the park Located in the picturesque town of Kunghur accessible toilet and doors that open up into a sizeable outdoor area Next to the main hall there is a small activities room The building is located next to a public park There are 3 meeting rooms for hire with a shared kitchen: There's also a community office space for hire (Lomandra office Located next to the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre and a short walk from the Tweed River the Tweed Heads South Community Hall and the Activities Room A kitchen is available for making tea and coffee The Tweed Heads Civic & Cultural Centre is a large-scale event space The venue has capacity for up to 500 guests The space is located in the heart of Tweed Heads adjacent to Council's Administration Building - close to world famous beaches local clubs and the beautiful Jack Evans Boat Harbour professional stage lighting and audio set-up available on request The Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre is a multi-purpose auditorium and event space The venue has capacity for up to 600 guests The space is located in the heart of Murwillumbah adjacent to Council's Administration building TWEED HEADS South and Tweed Heads West residents are being ordered by the SES to evacuate their homes due to continued and further predicted heavy rain and resultant flash flooding This follows an evacuation order released earlier this afternoon for South Murwillumbah Condong and Tumbulgum and a flood evacuation warning for low lying areas of Chinderah The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is directing residents within the nominated areas to evacuate immediately where safe transit exists and it they are able to do so An evacuation centre has been set up at Kingscliff TAFE They are advising those that are unable to do so The SES is urging residents not to delay their evacuation Conditions can change quickly and roads will be congested or closed Remaining in flooded areas is dangerous and may place your life at risk people should go and stay with family or friends For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500 NSW SES website:  http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au The Community Services team makes a difference in our Community's lives We have over 25 years experience in the 'Business of Caring and Facility Management' Tweed Community Services provides programs to support eligible Tweed Shire Residents to stay living independently and safely in the community and in their own home We provide eligible clients with direct services as an interim measure whilst awaiting the uptake of referrals to other services Our aim is to connect clients to the services they need Contact our friendly team today, to see how we can support you! call on 07 5569 3110 or email communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au If you feel that your rights are not being respected and this is a concern to you – we need to know this as soon as possible Complaints either in writing or by phone will be registered on the Records Management System or responded to within 14 working days We are here to support you and not to judge you for your comments We aim to provide a best practice approach to our work and this is linked to your assistance with accurate and timely feedback when services or goods are not satisfactory to you For formal complaints or for further resolution of your concerns Ombudsman’s OfficeCommunity Services DivisionLevel 24/580 George StreetSYDNEY NSW 2000Phone: 1800 451 524 (Freecall) This is a free and confidential service that can assist you in working through any complaints or concerns about the service you are receiving The Aged Care Complaints Commissioner provides a free service if you have a concern or complaint about any of the care and services you receive Aged Care Complaints CommissionerGPO Box 9848(Your capital city and state/territory) Online: www.agedcarecomplaints.gov.au Call: 1800 550 552 If you need assistance to undertake any of these steps we can assist you to access If you require any further information call us on 07 5569 3110 or email us at communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au Visit in person: Tweed Heads South Community Centre, Cnr Heffron Street and Minjungbal Drive Bob Whittle Murwillumbah Airfield is run by the Murwillumbah Aero Club For more information about the airfield, visit Council's website Council's Pound was closed to the public on Wednesday 25 September 2019 and temporary arrangements are currently in place For further information about the Tweed Pound, visit Council's website Tropical Cyclone Alfred has caused significant damage to the coastline with serious dune erosion and hazards at Tweed’s beaches.  For current information about the Tweed's beaches, visit the Beachsafe website and listen to the emergency radio broadcaster, ABC North Coast Read more about beach hazards Bin collection services are operating as normal Council is conducting a free residential community clean-up for yard and tree debris and legitimate cyclone-damaged waste (also known as hard waste cyclone damaged furniture or items) from ex-Cyclone Alfred The residential clean-up is being completed suburb by suburb All public boat ramps and jetties are open Inspections have been completed following Tropical Cyclone Alfred Read more about boat ramps To view closures to roads and bridges, and any hazards, visit the Live Traffic NSW website Tropical Cyclone Alfred – if you'd like to stay informed about business support, grants, and programs available after the event, we highly recommend subscribing to our Succeed in the Tweed newsletter you’ll receive the latest updates and important information as soon as it becomes available Also see Business emergency recovery Council's cemeteries are operating as normal. For further information on cemeteries, visit Council's website It is designed for storing drinking water and does not provide a flood mitigation function For more information visit the Council's website facilities and centres are operating as normal Read more about our community venues Cram’s Farm is the main recreational area for the dam For updates visit Clarrie Hall Dam Customer Service counters at both Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah are open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm NSW time live chat and email from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm View the different ways to contact us on Council's website During an emergency event a lead agency will be set up as a part of the Recovery process, find out more on the NSW Reconstruction Authority website For other information about how you can help in the community after an emergency, visit Council's website The location of Emergency Evacuation Centres is determined during an event The Local Emergency Management Committee and SES will notify Council when this decision has been made For more information, visit the SES website Tropical Cyclone Alfred – use Council's flood monitoring cameras to check current status For further information about flood infrastructure, including the levee bank, flood gates and pumps, visit Council's website To use Council's online mapping service, including flood maps, visit Council's website Find NSW Government assistance for Tropical Cyclone Alfred grants, payments and financial support There are a number of Disaster Assistance Schemes available, for further information visit the NSW Government's website For information about markets in the Tweed, visit the What's On Tweed website Northern Rivers Rail Trail between Murwillumbah and Crabbes Creek reopened on Saturday 15 March and slippery conditions after Tropical Cyclone Alfred visitors acknowledge the presence of these hazards and assume full responsibility for their safety We cannot accept liability for injury or damage resulting from current conditions For more information, including current alerts, visit the Northern Rivers Rail Trail website Our Parks and Gardens Team have made significant progress in the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred We will continue our cleanup efforts and kindly ask visitors to exercise caution when visiting these areas We apologise for any disruption caused and wish to pass on our thanks for your ongoing patience and understanding To find a park and view its current status, visit Council's website NSW Recovery Assistance Points: Check the latest Ex-Cyclone Alfred recovery updates NSW Government determines the need for and location of Recovery Centres have resumed regular opening hours and programs For further information about the libraries, visit rtrl.nsw.gov.au Roads are considered closed when water or other obstacles are present regardless of whether signs or barriers are visible. Do not enter flood water We urge residents to stay informed by regularly checking flood cameras These cameras provide real-time updates on road closures and other impacts helping you make safer decisions and better prepare for flooding To stay up to date with what’s happening on the roads go to Live Traffic NSW Please note that power outages and communication disruptions may affect the frequency and accuracy of updates For any urgent road issues or dangers, call 02 6670 2400 any time of day To view closures to roads and bridges, and any hazards, visit Live Traffic NSW To report non-urgent potholes and other road damage, visit report a problem If you require sandbags during a weather event, please phone SES on 132 500 View current self-serve sandbag locations on the SES NSW website Stay up to date with Council's latest news as well as messages we share from local emergency organisations For information about sports fields and closures, visit Council's website During times of high rainfall, the stormwater will temporarily struggle to cope with the inundation. This will drain as the rainfall eases. If you are experiencing overflow issues from the stormwater drain, please phone the SES on 132 500 for sandbags or support For non-urgent stormwater issue or damage to stormwater drains, report it online If the issue is urgent, please call Council on 02 6670 2400 - 24/7 Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre (the tip) is operating as normal For more information about the tip, visit Council's website Tropical Cyclone Alfred caused significant damage to trees in the Tweed avoid fallen trees – they can hide hazards like broken branches What should you do if you come across a fallen tree Report it immediately at any time of day or night: Other problems relating to Council land can be reported online Tweed Holiday Parks are back open and welcoming guests from Tuesday 11 March For further information, visit the Tweed Holiday Parks website JUNKtion Tip Shop at Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre is operating as normal Read more about the tip shop For information about the Tweed lab and testing services, visit Council's website The 3 TRAC centres are operating as normal For information, visit TRAC's website or follow TRAC on Facebook The Tweed Regional Galley is operating as normal For more information, visit the Tweed Regional Gallery website or follow the gallery on Facebook The Tweed Regional Museum branches are operating as normal For further information, visit the Tweed Regional Museum website or follow the museum on Facebook The centres at Murwillumbah and Kingscliff are operating as normal For more information about the centres, see the Visit the Tweed website To view current water and wastewater interruptions, visit Council's website To report a water issue or interruption, phone Council immediately on 02 6670 2400 at any time of day If you wish to report non-urgent issues in regards to debris clean up, erosion of waterways, riverbanks, and shoreline, visit Council's website THE DRIVER and passenger of a car that were trapped for approximately one hour after a high speed crash on the Pacific Motorway at Tweed Heads South earlier this evening have been transferred to The Tweed Hospital with spinal and head injuries At about 5.30pm it is believed the white car collided with a truck and then the rear of the vehicle crashed into a tree on the median strip just after the Kirkwood Road exit Both southbound lanes were closed for approximately three hours as firefighters and the Tweed District Rescue Squad worked to free the two occupants of the vehicle The driver and passenger are believed to have suffered spinal and head injuries and aged in their twenties There were delays in both directions as people travelled home after the Australia Day weekend with diversions in place via Kirkwood Road and Minjungbal Drive Forensic crash officers will conduct a full investigation Live webcam vision and weather updates to help you prepare for a safe boat trip across the Tweed Heads coastal bar The Tweed River is immediately southward of Point Danger and the breakwaters The river is popular for a wide range of boating activity and is home to a commercial fishing fleet This webcam is located to the north of the entrance and shows conditions on the waters immediately offshore. To see conditions within the entrance channel, switch to the Tweed Heads entrance web camera When planning a bar crossing or going offshore, carefully consider the suitability of your vessel to handle the conditions Understand how to safely cross coastal bars The information contained herein is published as a guide only and Transport for NSW does not accept any responsibility for errors or omissions or for any loss or damage incurred by any person directly or indirectly relying on such information The use of the information is at the user's own risk We pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of NSW and acknowledge their continued connection to their country and culture Tweed Shire Council is responsible for managing flood risk in the Tweed Council's flood risk management policy(PDF, 218KB) is guided by the NSW Government's floodplain development manual Floodplain refers to all flood prone areas in the Tweed Standards for land development in flood prone areas are outlined in Council's Development Control Plan(PDF, 646KB) To minimise flooding impacts on the community all floodplain development must met these standards All habitable development must have a floor level above the 'flood planning level' This is based on a 1% annual exceedance probability flood (AEP) plus 0.5 metre freeboard Council defines land as flood liable if it’s affected by the probable maximum flood (PMF) which is the largest flood that could conceivably occur at a particular location A planning instrument is a document adopted under planning legislation by state Planning instruments manage the use and development of land: Council policies that address flood planning and development: This flood study is a comprehensive technical investigation of flood behaviour within the Tweed Valley catchment The flood study uses sophisticated computer models to simulate flooding behaviour and incorporates the 2017 and 2002 floods It is the first Tweed flood study to investigate flooding upstream of Murwillumbah and follows current hydrology industry standards This study looks at flooding when the Tweed River breaks its banks into the South Murwillumbah residential and industrial areas South Murwillumbah Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan - Report Part 1(PDF, 19MB) South Murwillumbah Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan - Report Part 2(PDF, 17MB) South Murwillumbah Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan - Figures Part 1(PDF, 24MB) South Murwillumbah Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan - Figures Part 2(PDF, 24MB) South Murwillumbah Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan - Figures Part 3(PDF, 15MB) This study looks at flood behaviour when the Murwillumbah CBD Levee the East Murwillumbah Levee and the Dorothy/William Streets Levee are overtopped Murwillumbah CBD Levee and Drainage Study Volume 1 of 2 - Report Text and Appendices(PDF, 35MB) Murwillumbah CBD Levee and Drainage Study Volume 2 of 2 - Figures(PDF, 24MB) The Addendum to the Murwillumbah CBD Levee and Drainage Study revisits and expands upon the original 2018 study to evaluate additional new and upgraded pump station options Addendum to Murwillumbah Levee and Drainage Study - Final Report(PDF, 4MB) Addendum to Murwillumbah Levee and Drainage Study - Final Report - Appendices(PDF, 16MB) The second of four floodplain risk management studies in the Tweed area This study identifies current and future flood risks reviews flood mitigation options and considers the best ways to manage flood prone land Tweed Coastal Creeks Floodplain Risk Management Study(PDF, 8MB) Tweed Coastal Creeks Floodplain Risk Management Plan(PDF, 10MB) This plan looks at flood risks in the Tweed Valley and provides a range of floodplain management measures The study and plan were placed on exhibition for public comment and the Frequently Asked Questions are a response to community questions Tweed Valley Floodplain Risk Management Study 2014(PDF, 113MB) Tweed Valley Floodplain Risk Management Plan 2014(PDF, 34MB)  A study into the flood behaviour of four coastal creeks: Cudgen A joint study between Tweed and Byron Shire Councils (reflecting the cross-boundary flooding between Mooball and Marshall Creek) The study provided model scenarios for possible future changes in land use (e.g agricultural change from sugar cane production) and potential impacts of climate change (sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity) Coastal Creeks Flood Study(PDF, 10MB) Coastal Creeks Flood Study flood maps addendum(PDF, 14MB) In 2008 the NSW Government issued guidelines for councils to include climate change variables into flood studies Since then all our flood studies have included climate change modelling that considers: Maps of climate change scenarios are available in our flood studies above. In 2010 Council adopted these climate change maps as appendices to our Development Control Plan The maps are applied as design flood levels for large scale greenfield residential subdivisions (PDF, 3MB) Council carries out regular testing and maintenance on our levees While it’s reassuring to have these in place Levees are built to provide protection from flooding Since the 1950s Council has operated a series of flood levees throughout the Tweed: There may be little warning when a levee is about to overtop and it could lead to very fast flooding.  Levee myths factsheet (SES) This video shows a 500-year flood in Murwillumbah’s central business district the CBD will be under 4 metres of water in less than 3 hours (There’s a 0.2 per cent chance of the simulated 500-year average recurrence flood happening in any year.) The video shows repairs to South Murwillumbah riverbank  In March 2017 floods undercut the South Murwillumbah riverbank and broke the crest of the flood levee Council received $3.75 million from the Australian Government’s Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements Council maintains a network of around 350 sets of floodgates These are generally ‘flap gates’ that allow water to flow in one direction only These stop floodwater backfilling areas behind levees and allow drainage once flood levels drop There are two Council operated flood pumping stations They pump water away that builds up behind the levees Pumping stations do not remove the flood risk completely - flooding of roadways and private property may still occur The Tweed Floodplain Management Committee provides a forum to discuss technical environmental and cultural issues associated with floodplain management The Committee includes representatives from Council NSW State Government and the local community For terms of reference, agendas and minutes see Council committees Contact Council's Flooding and Stormwater Engineer on 02 6670 2400 if you have questions about flood-related property development This year's march will take place on Friday 7 July 2023 Tweed Shire Council is proud to support this year’s NAIDOC Week (Sunday 2 July – Sunday 7 July) which promises a vibrant calendar of events celebrating the contribution of First Nations people to the Tweed Festivities include a sports and cultural day a NAIDOC dinner dance and the annual Tweed NAIDOC march and corroboree in the park The week and its events are coordinated by the Tweed Heads NAIDOC Committee national NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples It also opens up an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest celebrates the vital role Elders have played and continue to play in communities and families – and how through their strength knowledge and experience they have set the many courses we follow today The official Tweed Heads NAIDOC Week program will begin with a flag-raising ceremony on Sunday 2 July at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum in Tweed Heads South at 9 am followed by a fishing workshop and barbecue for young people hosted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) A Hall of Fame Induction and Reflection will take place on Tuesday 4 July A Sports Day and Expo will take place at Arkinstall Park on Wednesday 5 July water sports and beach activities to be held at Fingal Head on Thursday 6 July as part of Juraki Saltwater Day activities the annual Tweed NAIDOC March will start at the Tweed Civic Centre from 10 am The community will march along Wharf Street to Jack Evans Boat Harbour for a community gathering or corroboree in the park The week’s activities will close in style with a Tweed NAIDOC Dinner Dance at Coolangatta Tweed Golf Club from 6 pm on Friday 7 July Elder and Goodjinburra descendant who is also a member of Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee encouraged all Tweed residents to join in the week’s activities “NAIDOC week is about the community coming together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Tweed Bundjalung country,” Aunty Dale said “Our Elders have kept our culture alive passing it down from generation to generation – this week is all about our culture’s survival.” Council’s Community Development Officer Tim Appo said this year’s NAIDOC Week offered a reminder to everyone that we should respect and learn from our Elders “NAIDOC week is an important week in the Tweed’s calendar and this year it’s about the celebration of those who have shown us the way,” Mr Appo said listen and absorb from our Elders and their decades of wisdom.” Find out more about national NAIDOC Week activities at www.naidoc.org.au A full program of NAIDOC Week events in the Tweed follows:Sunday 2 July NAIDOC Youth Fishing Workshop, 10 am, meet at Minjungbal Museum, 2.30 pm finishes at New Fingal Boat Harbour. Register your interest by texting 0456 192 951 or 0456 192 951 or email jordan.young@dpi.nsw.gov.au Elders/Seniors Community Lunch, 10.30 am - 2.30 pm, South Tweed Sports Club, 4 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South, email cancomcare_@outlook.com Tweed NAIDOC March and Corroboree in the park Tweed NAIDOC Dinner Dance, 6 pm - midnight, Coolangatta Tweed Golf Club, Soorley Street, Tweed Heads South, Tickets through Humantix The 2022 Corroboree in the park at Jack Evans Boat Harbour Photo 1:  Tweed NAIDOC march 2022Caption: The Tweed NAIDOC march in 2022. This year's march will take place on Friday 7 July 2023. (Photo credit: Tommy Byrnes) Photo 2:  Corroboree 2022Caption: The 2022 Corroboree in the park at Jack Evans Boat Harbour Kingscliff and Fingal Head are being asked by the SES to prepare to evacuate prior to 7pm today Areas that will be affected by rising river levels and the king tide include low lying caravan parks in Chinderah Tweed Heads South and Kingscliff and low lying properties in Fingal Head and Bilambil Residents should monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate when instructed to do so A Flood Evacuation Order will be issued by the NSW SES if evacuation is required For people who need assistance an evacuation centre has been established at Kingscliff TAFE Cudgen Road Kingscliff and Banota Point High School Never drive ride or walk through floodwater For emergency assistance telephone the NSW SES on 132 500 Web site: http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au Flood restoration - roads Current planned works Stay up to date with what's happening on our roads, follow us on Facebook or visit Live Traffic NSW upgrade and maintain a safe and connected local road network including how we prioritise road maintenance projects Information on this page is intended as a guide Start and end dates are estimates only and may change for various reasons including weather conditions Pavement repair and patching near the intersection of Brays Creek Road and Byrrill Creek Road View all flood recovery works Road rehabilitation along Tweed Coast Road between Hastings Road and Towners Avenue Tweed Coast Road - June 2025 for about 8 weeks The detailed design for this major project has been finalised and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) have recently approved funding for the project The works have been tendered and currently being awarded Construction start date being confirmed but aiming for the coming months. Works are expected to take approximately 3 months and closures of the road are expected between 9 am and 3 pm Byrrill Creek Road and bridge design has progressed well with the project recently approved for funding by TfNSW Planning is underway to place a temporary seal on the gravel approaches in coming weeks As part of our commitment to provide a safe and connected local road network we will soon start road rehabilitation works along Tweed Coast Road between Banksia Avenue and the northern end of Cypress Crescent Cabarita. Under our Road Rehabilitation Program we will be replacing existing pavement as it has reached the end of its service life.  Please alternative routes where possible or allow additional time for your journey Tweed Coast Road - May 2025 for about two weeks    Patch and repair of approach to Rous River bridge between Chilcotts Road and North Arm Road until 14 February Commencing Monday 10 February to Friday 14 February 2025 Zara Road - Commencing Monday 10 February to Friday 14 February 2025    Flood restoration work between Mount Warning Road and Boulders Close Flood restoration ongoing (weather permitting) Kyogle Road - Flood restoration ongoing (weather permitting)   To continue to provide the Tweed with safe sustainable and affordable wastewater services we will be upgrading a sewer pump stationat the north end of Harwood Street in Murwillumbah Preliminary works are expected to begin in May/June 2025 Please use alternative routes where possible Harwood Street - May/June for about two months    Design work for the restoration of a land slips have been completed by Civil Consult and 3 of the 5 projects are currently under tender review Council has received funding for the work which is programmed to commence in the later this year Design work for the restoration of a land slip on Tomewin Road have been completed by Civil Consult and the project tenders are currently being reviewed.  Council has received funding for the work which expected to go before Council for final approval at the May meeting The site is currently reduced to 40km/hr with a give way sign for the southbound traffic under a work site traffic management plan Due to the restricted site distances and nature of Tomewin Drive it is not a suitable location for traffic lights to be installed Motorists are reminded to adhere to the give way signage on site and reduced 40kmh speed limits we will be upgrading a sewer pump station about halfway along Sunshine Avenue in Tweed Heads South.  which will take about 3 weeks between term 2 and term 3 school holidays Sunshine Avenue - May/June for about four months    Water main upgrade along full length of Inlet Drive and Lakes Drive (between Gollan Drive and Inlet Drive) There will be temporary lane closures which may cause delays of up to 5 minutes There may be short interruptions to the water supply You will be notified separately before this occurs There will be limited access to some properties and driveways within the work zone during work hours Please ask the traffic controller for help if you need access There will be no pedestrian access through the work site Inlet Drive and Lakes Drive - July 2025 for about 3 months    between Bald Mountain Road and Vidler Road Council offices at Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads will close for a short period over the holiday season but essential services will continue to operate as per usual.  Council will shut its offices at Murwillumbah Civic Centre and Tweed Heads Administration Office from Monday 27 December 2021 and reopen again on Monday 10 January 2022 at 9am In the event of any Council-related emergencies during this time Head to tweed.nsw.gov.au/reportaproblem to report any non-urgent matters Essential services will continue throughout the closure period including water and sewage treatment and waste collection with bins continuing to be collected on public holidays as scheduled The Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre will be open every day Tweed Regional Museum Murwillumbah will be closed from Thursday 23 December 2021 and reopen on Tuesday 4 January 2022 at 10am. Tweed Regional Museum Tweed Heads will shut from Monday 20 December 2021 and reopen on Sunday 9 January 2022 at 10 am. Visit museum.tweed.nsw.gov.au for regular hours of operation at both sites The Richmond Tweed Regional Libraries at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff and Murwillumbah will close from Christmas Day, 25 December 2021, and reopen on Tuesday 4 January 2022 at 9 am. See rtrl.nsw.gov.au for hours of operation Tweed Shire Council wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season Photo 1: Council Contact Centre Caption:Council's offices at Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads will shut from Monday 27 December 2021 Photo 2: Solo truck Caption: Waste services will continue across the holiday season as per usual including on all public holidays and on Christmas Day on 25 December 2021 Aboriginal Acknowledgement Community safety in local government is about increasing the ability of people to live work and play in the Tweed with little fear for their own safety Council works in partnership with a range of stakeholders to improve community safety including police Concern for community safety can be both real and perceived; where a person's daily decisions are impacted by fear of being a victim of crime Council attends a range of interagency meetings and working groups to facilitate forward planning across the Tweed Community Safety Precinct Committees (CSPCs) are facilitated by NSW Police and provide an opportunity for local Councils and community members to meet with Police Local Area Commanders and share their perspective on local crime and safety issues It provides the opportunity for community members and business owners to get involved in strategies designed to address local crime concerns It also provides an opportunity for Local Area Commanders to promote accurate local crime information and raise awareness of crime prevention approaches Meetings are held quarterly. For further information please see these helpful links: Council operates a number of CCTV systems in public places within the Tweed to increase the level of safety for residents The CCTV in Public Places Policy(PDF, 129KB) was adopted by Council in February 2021 Dog beaches Information Sheet Prohibited zones Off leash parks Providing beaches for families to run and play with their dogs is very important to our community Look for signs showing off-leash areas on the beach and learn where you can safely take your dog in the Tweed The following rules apply while in a designated off-leash area (these areas are patrolled and penalties apply for non-compliance): Visit our interactive mapping site  The following areas are approved dog off-leash exercise areas on Tweed coast beaches: Access from Murphys Road Kingscliff to a point 0.5km south of the beach access point at the Fingal Head Quarry From the boundary of Salt residential area north to the rockwall of Cudgen Creek 200m south of Norries Headland to a point one kilometre north of Cudgera Creek 200m south of the main bathing area at Pottsville Beach to 200m north of Black Rocks Two areas have recently been declared 'Dog Prohibited' zones under the Companion Animals Act 1998 See the fact sheet What should I know before taking my dog to an ‘off-leash’ area?(PDF, 479KB) The following areas are approved dog off-leash exercise areas in Tweed Shire parks and reserves: You’ll wonder why you haven’t uncovered this paradise sooner It’s easily accessible from Gold Coast or Ballina airports Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Tweed Heads and beyond Distance from Tweed Heads: 20-minute drive An absolute must-visit for an authentic Tweed experience, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled upon Neverland at Husk Distillers On Sundays the scene is alive with happy patrons sipping cocktails under the sun while families and couples lounge on the games lawn relishing gourmet picnics and grazing platters – a testament to the locals’ pursuit of the good life Head to Husk Distillers for fun family picnics Delve into the captivating tale of Australia’s pioneering paddock-to-bottle Agricole rum distillery by reserving a tour complete with an Ink Gin and tonic upon arrival and a Husk rum tasting flight at the Barrell House Open seven days a week with plenty of experiences on offer Sign up for an incredible rum-tasting experience at Husk Distillers Distance from Tweed Heads: 30-minute drive On the banks of the Tweed River, Murwillumbah stands as the creative and cultural epicentre of the Tweed, offering a multitude of engaging things to do. Experience the ingenious transformation of an industrial warehouse into M-Arts a place where artists and art lovers come together amid a backdrop of creativity over delectable food and drinks and local makers in action at art studio pop-ups within shipping containers or pop upstairs to Gallery DownTown – an extension of the Tweed Regional Gallery that aspires to make art more accessible to the community Pick up a brochure at M-Arts and take a self-guided wander through town admiring charming Art Deco shopfronts and the historic buildings of Murwillumbah Murwillumbah is the creative and cultural epicentre of the Tweed Corner of Proudfoots Lane and Brisbane Street Perched with panoramic views of Tweed Valley and Wollumbin/Mount Warning, Tweed Regional Gallery features seven exhibition spaces and the impressive permanent Margaret Olley Art Centre Admire outstanding artwork at Tweed Regional Gallery including a faithful recreation of her home studio a captivating trove of paintings and household relics The Yellow Room is a recreation of the home studio of artist Margaret Olley Address: Tweed Regional Art Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre Distance from Tweed Heads: 15-minute drive At Farm & Co Kingscliff organic produce finds its way from the fields to the store and cafe Citysiders will especially love wandering through the farm and stepping into the simple life amongst the sunflowers Distance from Tweed Heads: 45-minute drive Nestled at the foot of the majestic Wollumbin/Mt Warning, Mavis’s Kitchen is an easy-going housed in a stately old Queenslander on a 25-acre former dairy farm The organic kitchen garden provides a substantial portion of the menu’s produce and the culinary offerings are simple and delectable After your meal you can take a leisurely walk through the lush gardens and revel in the serene ambience of this picturesque countryside haven Ideal for a family catch-up or lovers’ lunch The fog lifts to reveal the majestic beauty of Wollumbin/Mt Warning Distance from Tweed Heads: 35-minute drive Take the scenic drive to Burringbar and embark on a treasure hunt for vintage gems at Heath’s Old Wares Known far and wide as a haven for antique enthusiasts Heath’s showcases a rich array of vintage treasures an expertly curated list of kindred stores assembled by Eva and Ross Heath spanning from Chinderah Bay Antiques in the north to Ludo’s Old Wares in the south Find baskets of all kinds at Heath’s Old Wares Distance from Tweed Heads: 45-minute drive  Venture into the verdant hinterland to reconnect with nature at the sweet and serene Ecoasis a short drive from the cute and quirky town of Uki Spend a romantic weekend at Ecoasis Retreat The self-contained treehouses are enveloped by the rainforest and feature private balconies for unwinding and savouring the breathtaking vistas of Mt Warning Disconnect from the world at Ecoasis Retreat A simple stop on a scenic hinterland tour, make sure to check out the Harnett family’s former dairy, Tweed Valley Farmhouse Cheese Step into Tweed Valley Farmhouse Cheese to sample creamy cheeses Stock up on lusciously creamy cheeses and local condiments or swing by for a paddock to plate tasting experience immersed in old-school Aussie charm – perfect for the whole family Halcyon House truly lives up to its reputation as one of Australia’s premier boutique hotels The former classic motel has undergone a remarkable makeover thanks to the visionary interior designer Anna Spiro Boasting 19 rooms and two luxurious two-bedroom suites, a heavenly day spa, and the renowned restaurant Paper Daisy it’s definitely worth the visit for those who appreciate the finer things in life Dine at Paper Daisy Restaurant located within the boutique hotel Distance from Tweed Heads: 25-minute drive  Ride or walk the enchanting Northern Rivers Rail Trail a 24-kilometre scenic path connecting Murwillumbah and Crabbes Creek Nestled within the World Heritage territory of Northern NSW a leisurely bike ride takes just under two hours and walkers can plan for a four-to five-hour stroll (one way) The route boasts 18 historic railway bridges and leads through a tunnel adorned with the radiance of glow worms As you meander, you’ll enjoy tranquil rivers, sweeping panoramas with the majestic Mt Warning gracing the backdrop, and discover delightful cafes and a cosy pub along the way It’s an idyllic outing for couples or families – and the path is wheelchair and pram-friendly Your adventure can commence in either Murwillumbah or Crabbes Creek though Murwillumbah is more easily reached from Tweed Bring your own wheels or you can easily hire a bicycle and shuttles are available for your return journey if required.  Go cycling under the shade of trees along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Discover delectable coastal dining at its finest in the Tweed. Nestled right on the Kingscliff beachfront, you’ll find Taverna a charming modern restaurant serving Greek-inspired cuisine set within the most adorable little cottage Bougainvillea elegantly adorns the white-washed walls as you dine on the freshest produce from the local region and if you find yourself in the area on a Sunday the chef whips up an extra special ‘sustainable banquet.’ Open Thursday – Sunday for dinner The spotlight is firmly on local produce here Distance from Tweed Heads: Locations around the Tweed  Picnic amidst the great outdoors with the award-winning Blue Ginger Picnics With a range of group and couples’ packages to choose from across different locations around the Tweed you could be sipping champagne with your lover on the beach or fishing and feasting with friends under the watchful gaze of Mt Warning Founder Tania’s commitment to sustainability shines through in her customised menus showcasing the very best offerings from the region’s top food producers The idyllic backdrop is complemented by handmade plates Distance from Tweed Heads: Right in the heart affectionately known as D’Bah by the locals is a top surf destination along the Tweed Coast offering up consistently good swells year-round Catch the early morning waves at Duranbah Beach The most northerly beach in NSW, it’s just a skip and a hop to the Gold Coast and neighbouring town Coolangatta (which boasts some pretty good beaches too) D’Bah is dog friendly and oozes laid-back surf vibes and backpackers – especially in summer Early birds will discover it’s among the prime spots to watch the breathtaking Tweed Coast sunrise For those yearning to escape the crowds and sink into serenity nestled between the Tweed River and the ocean Fingal Head is ideal for stand-up paddleboarding Stroll by the lighthouse, take in the beautiful views, and enjoy a lazy afternoon at the quirky Sheoak Shack cafe/gallery overlooking the water Wake up early to admire dreamy sunrise views at Fingal Head Distance from Tweed Heads: 5-minute drive from Tweed’s centre Distance from Tweed Heads: Right in the heart Explore the waterways on a scenic river cruise with Tweed Escapes Set foot on a classic ferry and gracefully navigate upstream along the relaxed river whilst savouring stunning water and mountain views (you’ll find the best views of Mt Warning here) from a leisurely two-hour excursion or an indulgent private charter Enjoy an early morning kayak tour on Tweed River Nestled by the charming waterfront of Jack Evans Boat Harbour Tweed Heads offers day markets on the first Saturday of the month from 8am to 2pm and twilight fun every second and fourth Friday from 4 to 8pm (from September to May) and dive into the chilled-out ambience as you feast and peruse the stalls With music and a playground right next door it’s the perfect recipe for a laid-back family day or evening out Shop the markets along the charming waterfront of Jack Evans Boat Harbour Jessica Humphries is a travel and wellbeing writer Formerly the editor of Australian Yoga Journal and a current contributor to a number of well-being publications Jessica's writing is inspired by her love for yoga Her work is a celebration of the beauty of the world and the joys of gentle travel She is based in the Northern Rivers of NSW and loves to explore her local area too Have lived at Casuarina for 11 years.Love it !!Great beach,plenty of top class restaurants,great climate.What’s not to love?? went to Tweed River Highschool now live in Coolangatta you have reminded me of some great places to visit when we next have visitors There’s no shortage of things to do in Australia this month so here is what’s happening in your state this June A decade after rating the best towns in the country we revisit the list to discover how festivals food and local determination can put a place on th..