The rebuild of Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Public Preschool is on track to be completed by the end of the year, with all elevated building modules now installed.
The school was extensively damaged during the 2022 Northern Rivers floods and is being rebuilt with flood-resilient facilities designed to withstand future extreme weather.
Acting NSW Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the latest construction milestone was an important step for the school community.
“This is an exciting milestone for the community, with students, staff, and families now seeing their new school begin to fully take shape.” said Car.
“The Northern Rivers has been through so much and our government is ensuring students can return to a brand new, permanent school, close to home.”
Construction crews have installed all building modules, including dedicated preschool classrooms and the school hall, with final construction and landscaping now underway.
The rebuilt school will feature 13 modern classrooms, a library, multipurpose hall and outdoor learning areas, along with dedicated indoor and outdoor learning spaces for Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Public Preschool.
Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the project was progressing well.
“It’s fantastic to see the rebuild of Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Public Preschool progressing so well.” said Saffin.
“I’m thrilled to see this progress firsthand and to recognise the work going on behind the scenes to deliver these new facilities for the school community later this year.”
The elevated buildings have been designed to withstand extreme weather and reduce the risk of disruption from future flooding.
“The impressive, flood-resilient design of the school will provide students and staff with modern, fit-for-purpose facilities built to withstand future challenges,” Saffin said.
Lismore South Public School principal Larissa Polak said the installation of the structures had given the school community a clearer picture of its new facilities.
“You can really see our new school coming together now that the structures are all in place. Before long, students and staff will be learning and working in these new spaces.
“This is a big investment in the future of this community, and I’m looking forward to opening our doors and starting a new chapter for our school.”
Enhanced planning powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act were used to fast-track the project.
Lismore South is among nine extensively damaged schools receiving rebuilding funding through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments through disaster recovery arrangements.
Eighteen flood-damaged schools across the Northern Rivers have been rebuilt or repaired since 2022, including Tumbulgum and Condong public schools, while work is underway at The Rivers Secondary College Richmond River High Campus.
Car said the rebuilt Lismore South school was designed to serve the community well into the future.
“The Minns Labor Government is building back better in the Northern Rivers, and the new, flood-resilient Lismore South Public School will serve local students and families for decades to come.”
Polak said the project carried particular significance after the challenges faced by the community since the floods.
“Our community has shown strength and resilience through some challenging times, and the support of everyone involved in delivering our new school means the world to us.”
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