The study will help define flooding behaviour under current and future climate conditions and become the basis of flood planning in the Tweed.
As part of the study, residents are being asked to share their personal experiences and knowledge to help better understand past flood events.
In 2009, there was a flood study of the Tweed River and its major tributaries, from Byangum upstream of Murwillumbah to the river mouth at Tweed Heads. The study area included Murwillumbah, Condong, Tumbulgum, Chinderah, Kingscliff, Fingal Head, Banora Point and Tweed Heads.
Manager Roads and Stormwater Danny Rose said flooding was not confined to one part of the Tweed and Council wanted to better understand flooding in the upper parts of the valley, including the villages of Tyalgum, Chillingham, Uki and the surrounding rural areas.
"A flood study is essentially a technical investigation of the flood behaviour for a region. It includes computer models to simulate historical events, which help to predict future flooding," Mr Rose said.
"It's crucial that we hear from as many residents as possible. Provide as much information as you can and include any photos or videos to help us understand your experiences better.
"Recent advances in the hydrology field and new flood records from March 2017 provide a good opportunity to improve our knowledge of flood behaviour in the valley," he said.
Mayor of Tweed Chris Cherry said she hoped residents would contribute to the study because of the Tweed Valley's long history of flooding.
"We have just marked the fourth anniversary of the March 2017 flood caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie, so we know the devastating impact that widespread flooding can have on our community," she said.
"We will flood again but we can better prepare for the next one, and part of the preparation is the community and Council working together to develop this new study and subsequent flood risk management plans."
The Tweed Valley Flood Study survey is now open and current and past residents of the Tweed are encouraged to take part by Sunday 16 May 2021.
