Tweed Shire Council has been recognised for its leadership in responding to the 2017 March flood event at the 2018 Local Government Excellence Awards in Sydney.
Recognising the leadership role that Tweed Shire Council played in responding to the 2017 March flood event, ex-Cyclone Debbie, they have been awarded a Highly Commended award in the ‘Special Project’ category.
Recognising the leadership role of Tweed Councils Council’s Critical Incident Response Group in responding to the 2017 March flood event, Ex-Cyclone Debbie, they have been awarded a Highly Commended award in the ‘Special Project’ category.
In the Highly Commended award in the ‘Special Project’ category (population 60,000 and above) they were up against 16 other council projects from across the state.
‘Tweed Shire Council’s leadership in responding to the immediate flooding, the clean-up, repairing the damage left in Debbie’s wake and preparing for future events has been well-planned, executed and innovative,’ said one of the judges.
‘Many of the initiatives and learning arising out of the Tweed emergency could be implemented by other local government authorities in emergency situations.’
The Critical Incident Response Group managed the emergency response for Council, implemented business continuity plans for the inundated main depot staff and provided numerous additional services to support community residents and businesses at a time when many felt overwhelmed. The group itself operated from two offices, in Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah, using video conferencing technology, which was essential for a number of days as many roads were cut by floodwaters or impassable due to damage.
General Manager, Troy Green, said while the award went to Council, it was reflective of a whole-of-community response to the devastating event.
‘This award is recognition not only of the work of Council staff and Councillors but also all the not-for profit and community organisations, the State Emergency Service, churches and individuals who worked tirelessly during and after the flood to help their community,’ Mr Green said.
‘The outdoor workforce also deserves particular mention as these were the staff at the coal face who worked under trying and stressful conditions to clean up, repair and return essential infrastructure and services for the use of the community.’
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