Mooball Creek Seawalls Restored Ahead of Summer

By Robert Heyward

The long-awaited repairs to the collapsed training walls at Mooball Creek, Pottsville, have been completed just in time for the busy summer season. The $1.28 million project, funded jointly by Transport for NSW ($540,000), the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program ($450,000), and Tweed Shire Council ($290,000), has restored the seawalls to their original condition.

Originally built in the 1960s to keep the creek mouth open, the seawalls had deteriorated over time due to natural erosion and repeated cyclonic weather events in recent years. The collapse led to further erosion at the creek entrance, significantly impacting the area’s water quality and recreational appeal.

Collaborative Effort to Restore the Creek

In late 2022, Manly Hydraulics Laboratory, the NSW Government’s coastal engineering experts, conducted an analysis of the training walls and designed the necessary repairs. Earlier this year, Transport for NSW granted consent for Council and contractors to access the site, and MGN Civil Pty Ltd was engaged to complete the restoration.

Work began in October, with 3,785 tonnes of new rock armour installed across both the north and south seawalls. The project was brought to fruition thanks to a sustained advocacy campaign by the Pottsville Community Association, spearheaded by local resident and angler David Cranwell.

Community and Government Celebrate the Milestone

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry celebrated the completion of the project and its significance for locals and visitors.

“Residents and visitors love Mooball Creek – or ‘Potty Creek’ as locals call it – for swimming and fishing. The repaired training walls ensure the creek’s tidal exchange is restored, significantly improving water quality,” Cr Cherry said.
“This project represents years of effort by the Pottsville Community Association and is a win for the whole community.”

Tweed MP Geoff Provest emphasized the positive impact on recreation and management:

“Repairing the seawalls will help preserve Mooball Creek as a top recreational destination.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot highlighted the importance of funding partnerships:

“This Federal Government investment of $450,000, alongside contributions from the NSW Government and Tweed Shire Council, ensures Mooball Creek remains a treasured spot for families and the broader community.”

Restoring a Treasured Destination

The repairs have secured the integrity of the creek mouth, ensuring improved water quality for swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities. The restored seawalls promise to maintain this beloved community location for generations.

For more information on how Tweed Shire Council manages coastal waterways, visit here.

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Council Launches Tweed Festive Shopfront Competition

By Robert Heyward

Tweed Shire Council is inviting local retail businesses to participate in the inaugural Tweed Festive Shopfront Competition, a new initiative aimed at supporting local businesses and creating a vibrant festive atmosphere across the region.

The campaign, part of the Council’s Succeed in Tweed business support program, is a collaborative effort between Tweed Shire Council, the business chambers of Tweed Heads, Kingscliff, and Murwillumbah, and the Tweed Valley Weekly.

Bring Festive Cheer to Your Shopfront

Retail businesses are encouraged to decorate their shops or shopfronts with a Christmas or festive theme and register their displays via the Tweed Festive Shopfronts online form. All registered entries will be featured on an interactive map, showcasing the locations of festive displays and encouraging locals to explore Tweed’s shopping precincts while promoting the “shop local” message this holiday season.

Supporting Local Businesses

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said the competition was launched to celebrate local businesses and inspire the community to support them during the festive period.

“This wonderful initiative is a fantastic way for businesses to connect with their community. It adds an extra layer of festive spirit to our shopping precincts and inspires residents to choose local this Christmas,” Cr Cherry said.
“By shopping local, we not only benefit our small business economy but also support local jobs and create a thriving community.”

Local business chambers, including Tweed Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Business Kingscliff, Business Murwillumbah, and the Tweed Valley Weekly, will actively encourage participation by visiting stores and promoting the initiative.

Prizes and Recognition

Businesses with the most creative and impressive displays will have the chance to win one of three prize packs, which include:

• A $500 Gift Pay e-voucher.
• A one-year complimentary membership to their local business chamber.
• A quarter-page advertising package in the Tweed Valley Weekly.

One winner will be selected for each of the three precinct areas, with judging by representatives from Tweed Shire Council, local business chambers, and the Tweed Valley Weekly.

How to Participate

Interested businesses can register their entry online by uploading a photograph of their decorated shopfront, along with their business name and address. Eligible businesses must have a physical premises with a festive display visible to the public.

• Registrations open: Friday, 29 November.
• Registrations close: Midnight, Sunday, 15 December.

For full terms and conditions or to learn more, visit the Council’s Christmas webpage.

Let’s make this festive season a celebration of community, creativity, and local pride!

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“Australian lightweight champion from lil ol’ Swan Bay”

By Samantha Elley

Maddog boxing’s Sunny McLean has been going from strength to strength this past year, grabbing titles from each of the events he has been fighting in.

Sunny McLean and his coach, Scott Smith, who runs Maddox Boxing, were recently picked to represent Queensland as the fighter and coach team to compete in the national titles in Gosford.

Sunny won all his elimination bouts and beat the NSW champion in the gold medal fight, to become the newly crowned Australian champion in the lightweight division.

They were surprised with a visit from Jason and Andrew Moloney, world champion professional boxers.

“Every state in Australia was there with all the best fighters and the (Moloney brothers) came to support us, so we felt so special,” said Scott.

“They came to help me prepare Sunny for his last two fights in this event.”

Sunny was competing for Queensland as he already holds the title of QLD/NSW interstate champion.

“His first opponent, the referee stopped the fight in the 3rd round,” said Scott.

“His second opponent was the favourite from Tasmania and Sunny won that fight to go through for the gold medal against the NSW champion.

“Andy (co-trainer) and I worked out a plan to beat him and Sunny did exactly what he was asked and never last control of the situation.

“He is now the Australian lightweight champion from lil ol Swan Bay.”

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