The Tweed’s first flood-free industrial land swap project is one step closer to fruition with construction works now underway at South Murwillumbah.
Alder Constructions was awarded the $3.18 million contract with Tweed Shire Council for the design and construction of all public infrastructure at Industry Central in Lundberg Drive, including the roads, stormwater, reticulated sewer, water supply and telecommunications.
This innovative plan will see eligible business landowners swap their flood-prone land with Council-owned flood-free land at Industry Central, located on Lundberg Drive in South Murwillumbah.
The land swap was initiated by Council in the aftermath of the March 2017 flood, which decimated much of the industrial area of South Murwillumbah. Thanks to a $6.6 million grant from the NSW Government, Council was able to acquire 14 ha of suitable flood-free land at Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah, and develop the new industrial estate.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said she was excited to see the commencement of construction works. “Land swaps are complex legal and planning initiatives which are rarely undertaken, with this project already 5 years in the making,” Cr Cherry said.
“It is crucial we undertake this land swap. We must get businesses off the floodplain and up to higher ground if we are to ensure confidence in the local economy. Our region is growing and we are keen to support our business sector wherever we can. This could pave the way for future land swaps in the Tweed and across the Northern Rivers.”
Alder Constructions General Manager Dean Cheffers said Alder was thrilled to be part of this award-winning initiative.
“We’ve been warmly embraced by our southern neighbours since expanding further afield and to be part of this landmark project that will protect businesses and jobs in the area is truly exciting,” Mr Cheffers said. “We will be designing, constructing, coordinating and overseeing the entire project including all surveyance, civil works, earthworks, construction of applicable public infrastructure, allotment preparation and subdivision certification.”
Alder Constructions has been gaining a solid foothold in across New South Wales with a host of NSW local and state government tenders amounting to circa $27 million already completed and currently underway.
“With extensive experience across all facets of civil, building and infrastructure construction, we have been able to quickly establish a strong presence in the region but it’s also a testament to our team’s ability to quickly build credibility and convey our solid reputation as industry leaders,” says Mr Cheffers.
Alder Constructions has established a fully operational satellite office at Ballina and an experienced on-site team dedicated to expanding the construction company’s NSW portfolio.
