Stay off roads and reduce water use now

Tweed Shire Council
Mayor of Tweed Chris Cherry

Residents are urged to stay off the roads and reduce water use as the flooding situation in the Tweed continues to unfold.

The SES has issues evacuation orders for a number of areas across the Tweed overnight and today, including Tumbulgum, South Murwillumbah, Murwillumbah CBD, East Murwillumbah, Chinderah and Fingal Head.

Mayor of Tweed, Chris Cherry said staying off the roads and not risking driving through floodwaters was the essential message for the community.

“Our priority is people’s safety right now. We can replace possessions – people are precious,” Cr Cherry said.

“People need to get to higher ground where they can. Murwillumbah TAFE and Mt St Patrick College hall are taking people if you are unable to stay with family or friends.

“We will get through this but we need everyone to be safe and not take unnecessary risks right now,” she said.

All residents are asked to conserve water immediately, as water is not being produced at the water treatment plants at Bray Park, Uki and Tyalgum.

“Tap water remains safe to drink but is in limited supply, as we relying on supplies in our reservoirs, particularly at Uki,” Cr Cherry said.

“I know it’s ironic but everyone in Tweed is asked to please minimise your water use and only use it for the essentials of food, drinking and essential hygiene – outdoor water use is banned.”

Customer service – Like many businesses, Council is on a skeleton staff so please only call for urgent and weather-event related issues. If it is an urgent flooding issue, call the SES immediately on 132 500 or in a life-threatening situation call 000.

Bins: There is currently no bin services due to roads and access. Services will recommence as access and safety allows. Please bring your bins in and keep their lids shut to avoid filling up with water.

Stay informed: Follow the SES and Council’s social media channels to stay up to date, listen to the emergency broadcaster ABC North Coast and check the Tweed Emergency Dashboard.

Facility closures: A range of Council services are impacted and remain closed including the Tweed Regional Gallery, Tweed Regional Aquatic Centres, Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre (the tip) and the Tweed Laboratory Centre. See the A-Z listing for Council services on the Tweed Emergency Dashboard at Council Services A-Z

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