14 January 2025
Council has been working closely with a team of internal and external professionals to repair and restore the multi-level carpark in Murwillumbah to its normal operation, following a fire on the middle level in December 2023.
This has been a complex project, with several areas requiring careful attention and consideration. Council thanks community members for their patience.
The following actions have been completed to date:
Immediate closure of the carpark and structural engineer assessment to ensure safety. This process identified exclusion zones around the fire damaged area, and specified the internal propping required to enable safe reopening of some carparks on the ground level.
Initial cleaning and removal of soot and residue.
Further structural investigation and preliminary remediation design. This work enabled the opening of a further 72 carpark spots on the middle and top level.
A specialist building consultant was engaged by the Council's insurance company to further develop the scope of remediation work and complete detailed design for the complex repair works. The detailed scope development included engagement of a forensic engineer, extensive materials testing and engagement of coatings specialists.
Specialist surface restoration as nominated by the insurer's building consultant took place during September and October to remove extensive smoke residue from the middle level of the carpark.
Additional materials investigation and reporting by independent engineers to look at short, medium and long-term maintenance requirements for the structure to ensure viability of fire remediation works.
The insurer released the reinstatement scope of work and remediation design documentation to Council on 10 December 2024. Council is carrying out a detailed review of the documentation and it is anticipated that the scope of work will be settled with the insurer this month.
The appointment of a contractor will take place following settlement and repair works are expected to commence in March, following the busy swimming carnival period in January and February.