KINGSCLIFF'S much-loved osprey birds have returned to their nest, after a strong community outcry forced Tweed Shire Council to repair their platform sooner than planned.

The nesting structure overlooking Cudgen Creek near the Marine Rescue tower was blown over in strong winds during the last East Coast Low earlier this month, resulting in the death of two near-mature chicks.

Residents were distraught last week when the mating pair was seen trying to rebuild their nest, only to drop their sticks and twigs to the ground below where the platform had once stood.

Council's natural resources management coordinator Jane Lofthouse said staff had moved on community concerns quickly, erecting a new platform on site yesterday morning, eagerly watched on by the birds of prey.

"The ospreys were back in the nest within 10 minutes,” Ms Lofthouse asid.

"We are really happy to see them come back to the nest so quickly, rearranging what we had put on.

"As soon as we began making the platform again, the birds were there watching us.”

Ms Lofthouse said council workers had also removed some rubbish left over from the remnants of the old nest, including a fishing lure and plastic tent peg, before placing any remains back on the platform.

She hoped this pair, which has successfully bred at Cudgen for years, would lay again soon. Their nest is one of 22 osprey nests in the Tweed, with all but one artificially erected.

Ospreys, also known as sea eagles, are listed as vulnerable in NSW and historically nested atop tall dead trees.

Kingscliff resident Heather Stewardson, who discovered the dead chicks after their fall on August 4, said residents were over the moon as they watched staff at work.

"We were all smiling,” she said.

"We all hated seeing her trying to rebuild the nest without the cradle, it just didn't work! It's a good day!”