Cabbage Tree Island

Flood Recovery Demolition and Hazard Remediation

Project Overview

Perfect Contracting was engaged by Lipman Pty Ltd to deliver the full demolition, hazardous material removal, mould remediation, flood-mud remediation, internal strip-out, external demolition and site preparation works for the NSW Government’s Cabbage Tree Island Housing Repair and Retrofit Program (HRRP).

Cabbage Tree Island is located approximately 25 kilometres south of Ballina on the Richmond River and is home to a proud Aboriginal community managed with leadership from the Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council. In early 2022, catastrophic flooding devastated the island, rendering 20 homes uninhabitable. Prior to our mobilisation, only limited emergency removals had occurred, with no comprehensive mould or hazard remediation completed.

As head contractor appointed by the NSW Government, Lipman engaged Perfect Contracting to deliver high-risk, highly specialised demolition and remediation works across all 20 residential lots. Our scope was critical in enabling reconstruction works to commence and supporting the community’s return home.

This project demanded precision, safety, cultural sensitivity, stakeholder care and strict environmental compliance under a government-funded program with rigorous quality, documentation and reporting requirements.

Scope of Works Delivered by Perfect Contracting

Perfect Contracting delivered the full demolition and remediation scope in accordance with the approved project documentation and subcontract requirements.

External Demolition and Site Clearance

Works included:

• Removal of flood-damaged materials, vegetation debris, sediment, mud and storm-affected waste
• Removal of external fixtures such as fences, mailboxes, clotheslines, tanks, redundant structures and damaged outdoor assets
• Identification and marking of in-ground services
• Relocation of reusable materials for later reinstatement
• Safe removal of balcony soffit linings, including asbestos-impacted areas identified in hazard assessments

Internal Demolition – Ground Floor (All 20 Lots)

Ground-floor demolition works included:

• Complete strip-out of all flood-affected areas
• Removal of wall linings, ceiling linings, wall and floor tiles, screeds and waterproofing
• Removal of mould-affected and waterlogged materials
• Disconnection and removal of electrical, mechanical, sewer and water services
• Removal of damaged cabinetry, joinery, floor finishes and carpets
• Pressure cleaning and mould remediation of all exposed surfaces
• Removal of flood mud and associated contaminants

Internal Demolition – First Floor

First-floor works included:

• Demolition of kitchens, bathroom fittings and concrete wet-area slabs
• Removal of wall and ceiling linings, balconies and decking
• Removal of windows and sliding doors by licensed carpenters
• Removal of electrical, NBN, mechanical, exhaust, water and sewer services
• Removal of fireplace units and flue assemblies in applicable lots
• Delivery of first-floor framing options as required under the scope

Hazardous Materials Removal and Remediation

Hazardous materials identified through environmental hazard assessments included asbestos, crystalline silica, mould, synthetic mineral fibre (SMF) and chemical contaminants.

Perfect Contracting delivered:

• Removal of asbestos-containing materials across affected lots
• Removal of asbestos soffit linings where identified
• Full mould remediation across both levels, including post-remediation verification
• Flood-mud removal, remediation and verification
• Removal of SMF and chemical hazards as required
• Compliance with all SafeWork NSW notification and permit requirements

All hazardous material removal works were followed by independent third-party clearance certificates, in line with project requirements.

Cultural and Community Requirements

The Cabbage Tree Island works were subject to Aboriginal Participation in Construction (APIC) requirements.

Project commitments included:

• A minimum of 25 percent contract spend directed to Aboriginal employment, business engagement, training or capability building
• Mandatory Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Induction for all personnel prior to site access

Perfect Contracting delivered these requirements with respect and care, embedding cultural safety into daily operations.

Working Environment and Project Challenges

Remote Island Access

Site access was via a narrow concrete bridge with strict load limits, requiring detailed logistics planning and vehicle coordination.

Flood-Damaged Structures

Homes had remained vacant for an extended period following the 2022 floods and contained:

• Extensive mould
• Flood mud and sediment
• Decayed timbers and finishes
• Fragmented hazardous materials

Careful sequencing and strict compliance with WHS and environmental systems were essential throughout delivery.

Community Sensitivity

Works were undertaken within an Aboriginal community awaiting return to Country. Perfect Contracting prioritised:

• Minimal disturbance
• Controlled vehicle movements
• Dust and noise suppression
• Clear communication
• Strict environmental controls

Government Documentation and Quality Controls

All required documentation was delivered, including:

• Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs)
• Hazardous material clearance certificates
• Post-Remediation Verification reports
• Daily safety and quality records
• Waste disposal dockets from EPA-approved facilities
• Evidence of APIC compliance

All requirements were met successfully.

WHS, Environmental and Quality Compliance

Perfect Contracting delivered full compliance with WHS, environmental and quality obligations, including:

• Approved SWMS prior to works
• Demolition permits and SafeWork NSW notifications
• Hazardous material permits
• Daily inspections, audits and QA checks
• Worker inductions and digital record-keeping

All works complied with applicable legislation and standards, including NSW WHS laws, EPA waste requirements, the National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards.

Outcome: Safe, Controlled, Government-Compliant Delivery

The project was completed with:

• Zero safety incidents
• Zero environmental incidents
• Full compliance with Aboriginal Participation requirements
• All hazardous materials removed and validated
• All required clearance certificates achieved

The successful delivery enabled Lipman to proceed immediately with rebuilding works, supporting the NSW Government’s objective of returning families safely to the island.

The Cabbage Tree Island recovery works represent the heart of who Perfect Contracting is — a safe, respectful, values-driven contractor delivering complex works for communities that need us most.

This project combined technical demolition expertise, cultural awareness, sensitive stakeholder management and strict compliance under challenging environmental and logistical conditions.

Perfect Contracting is proud to have supported Lipman and the NSW Government in restoring homes and rebuilding an Aboriginal community impacted by disaster.