Flood-prone businesses keen to move to higher ground through an innovative Land Swap arrangement are urged to register their interest with Council.
Since the February flood some weeks ago, Council has received calls from local businesses seeking to find out more about the first Land Swap project at Industry Central in South Murwillumbah, currently underway.
The innovative Land Swap was initiated by Council in the aftermath of the flood of March 2017, which decimated much of the industrial area of South Murwillumbah.
Thanks to a $3 million grant from the NSW Government, Council acquired 14 ha of suitable flood-free land at Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah, to develop as a new industrial estate.
Following a successful selection process, this is now fully subscribed with 8 businesses set to move to the new site once completed.
Council's Manager of Land and Economic Development Ray Musgrave said the project presented a strategic solution for many businesses impacted by flooding.
"By providing a secure flood-free location for these businesses, it will allow them to invest in their future in the Tweed with confidence," Mr Musgrave said.
"The recent flood has unfortunately illustrated the need to create additional employment land out of the flood zone. Our region is growing and we are keen to support our business sector wherever we can.
"To create employment/industrial precincts such as Industry Central takes a considerable amount of time to obtain the numerous approvals and then construct the necessary infrastructure before businesses can actually start work on site."
Council has engaged Alder Constructions via an open tender to obtain approvals for the engineering design and construction of all public infrastructure at Industry Central, including roads, stormwater, reticulated sewer, water supply and telecommunications.
The new allotments are due to be completed by the end of 2022 and once settlement has taken place, businesses can commence building at Industry Central.
Given the interest in the project, Council is now asking flood-affected businesses to register their interest in any future potential Land Swap. This would require suitable land to be identified and for the NSW Government to provide financial support.
"Given the demand for the first parcels of land at Industry Central, I urge any businesses keen to participate in a second tranche to make contact with us," Mr Musgrave said.
"These processes take time and we're keen to get the ball rolling as soon as possible."
