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Council staff are working hard to restore essential Council services across the Tweed following the devastating flood earlier this week.
Mayor of Tweed Chris Cherry said a clear picture of the damage was yet to emerge, with communities still cut off and power and internet patchy.
"What is clear is that there is much work to be done both in terms of rebuilding our roads, infrastructure and communities in the coming days, weeks and months and we will be seeking assistance from all levels of government for this," Cr Cherry said.
Water
A large part of the Tweed's water supply network has been restored, however all of the Tweed remains on Level 4 water restrictions as the water treatment plants start producing water and topping up reservoirs.
Level 4 water restrictions mean the water supply is for ESSENTIAL use only – only to be used for: food preparation, drinking water and personal hygiene. Water should not be used to hose down outdoor areas for cleaning up and only to be used sparingly if cleaning is required indoors for hygiene reasons.
One major water pump station is still out, with two restored overnight. A number of sewer pump stations are still flooded and not operating.
Water remains safe to drink, except at South Murwillumbah/Dunbible and Uki, where residents must boil their water first.
Roads
Damage to the road network is significant and widespread. The whole road network is effectively on a caution and people should not be driving if it's not essential.
"Please don't be a rubber necker – disaster tourism is the last thing families and businesses need right now while they're traumatised and trying to get on with the grim task of cleaning up.
"It's also dangerous. Many roads have large amounts of mud on them and will remain closed until they can be made safe," she said.
There are major landslips on Byrrill Creek Road, Mt Warning Road, Reserve Creek Road, as well as causeways and bridges washed out – the list is getting longer.
Kyogle Road, Tyalgum Road and Scenic Drive have major damage and are all closed.
"Council's focus is on getting the road network open but only in terms of it being passable," Cr Cherry said.
Waste
Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre remains closed due to flooding of the site and roads leading to the site. Council's waste contractor Solo Resource Recovery is trying to get trucks into the community to service bins, where they can access streets.
Please place your bins on the kerb on your normal collection day. Leave on the kerb until they can be serviced. Make sure your lid is closed to keep rain out and waste in.
"We know everyone's keen to clean up and we're currently working on a clean-up plan for flood impacted communities and will have more details shortly," Cr Cherry said.
"For the moment, please keep any waste generated from flooding on your property – it can be out the front if you need to - until we have further information available."
