Construction is forging ahead on flood-resilient school facilities at Broadwater Public School, as the school community looks forward to returning to its permanent home in the coming months.
Broadwater Public School was destroyed in the destructive 2022 Northern Rivers floods, with the inundation destroying most of the school’s buildings.
Flood repair works are well underway at the school site after kicking off in July, after the Minns Labor Government used enhanced powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act to accelerate the school’s planning approval.
The new school, due for completion by Day 1, Term 2, was created with flood-resilient design, and includes an elevated building, raised approximately four metres above the ground, supported by a steel structure.
The first floor includes three new classrooms, a library, canteen and administration areas connected by undercover walkways, and a ground floor area with new bathrooms, an under croft play space and new landscaping.
Works are progressing well, with flood-damaged buildings now demolished, the under croft slab and ceilings installed, and the school’s modular buildings delivered and in place. Work has now commenced on the interior fit-out and landscaping.
Other works to be completed during Term 1, include the installation of a new playground and the return of cherished items, such as Broadwater Public School’s beloved school bell.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin visited the Broadwater Public School work site on Wednesday and met with members of the school community to view progress on the rebuild.
The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in and rebuild public education in NSW and ensuring flood-impacted schools in the Northern Rivers are being repaired and rebuilt, so communities can get back on their feet.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“It is fantastic to see construction progressing at pace at Broadwater Public School, and the community can look forward to having their school returned to them this year.
“After the destruction of the 2022 floods, this community has shown great resilience and patience, and I want to acknowledge the hard work of the local community, who worked hard to ensure this school was returned to the community.
“Once completed, teachers, families and young children will have certainty of a high-quality school back in their local area, and I am so pleased a Minns Labor Government will deliver that for this community.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
“I am so pleased that works are well underway at Broadwater Public School, and students and families can look forward to returning to permanent facilities later this year.
“Since the floods, many local families have had to contend with much ongoing disruption, and I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government, as we continue to deliver important infrastructure back to our community.
Broadwater Public School Relieving Principal Bronwyn Cole said:
“I am overjoyed to see the incredible progress on our school’s rebuild. This milestone represents a new chapter for our community.
“We look forward to moving into a permanent home that is not only flood-resilient, but also thoughtfully designed to support the needs of our students, staff, and families.
“Our school has always been the heart of this community, and this project is a testament to the strength and resilience of our school community.”
Caption: NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car and State Member for Lismore and NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin inspect Broadwater Public School’s rebuild, which is nearing completion.
