BLAKEBROOK Public School students are set to return to their permanent school after the NSW Government used enhanced planning powers to end delays following the devastating 2022 floods.
This is the second time the NSW Government has used powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act to authorise the redevelopment of a school, with Blakebrook students expected to return during Term 2 in 2025.
The project will deliver an elevated building supported by a flood-resistant steel structure. The school will be raised above the ground, creating resilience against possible future inundation from flooding. The first floor will include four new classrooms, a new library, canteen and school administration areas connected by undercover walkways. The ground floor will feature amenities and an under croft play space for students, as well as new landscaping.
The school will also be required to develop a Flood Emergency Response Plan and an approved evacuation strategy
Offsite manufacturing of the school modules is 85 per cent complete, and fabrication of the steel gantry, which will support the modules, is also underway.
Demolition of some former school buildings has commenced and will continue for about four weeks, including during the September/October school holidays.
Based on the rebuilding recently completed for Empire Vale and Wardell Public Schools, construction is expected to take six to seven months.
The NSW Government is committed to rebuilding public education in NSW, and ensuring flood-impacted school infrastructure in the Northern Rivers is replaced with flood-resilient permanent facilities.
Work is continuing to design, approve and deliver schools across the Northern Rivers as quickly as possible. Each project must manage local and site-specific factors, which impact consultation and the design process as well as the appropriate planning pathway.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“I welcome the change from the Planning Minister, which ensures works can now move forward on the rebuilding of Blakebrook Public School.
“It is vital we restore this school back to the community, so students and families can feel a sense of permanency and young families know their child’s education is secure.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting the Northern Rivers community and rebuilding and replacing critical school infrastructure lost in the 2022 floods.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“I am pleased to see work to rebuild the permanent Blakebrook Public School will now progress allowing students to return as quickly as possible.
“Enhanced powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act mean we can fast track delivery for school projects, which is particularly important in the Northern Rivers, as we continue work to get this community back on its feet.
“I will continue to exercise these enhanced planning powers where needed to make sure communities like Blakebrook are equipped with the essential services they need.”
Member for Lismore and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
“The elevated and flood-resilient design of Blakebrook Public School is a clear example of our commitment to ensuring that schools in flood-prone areas are built to last.
“This project is part of a broader effort to ensure our flood-affected Northern Rivers schools can return to normal in high-quality, permanent facilities.”
Blakebrook Public School Relieving Principal Alaric Coulter said:
“We are incredibly excited to welcome this milestone for Blakebrook Public School. The new elevated design will withstand any future challenges and provide a safe and innovative space for our students to learn and grow.
“Our community has shown incredible resilience, and this new school will stand as a testament to that spirit. I look forward to welcoming our students back to a learning environment that is better equipped for the future.”
