THE Minns Labor Government is rebuilding essential education infrastructure in regional NSW, with students turning the first sod to mark the beginning of construction on new permanent buildings for Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool.
Both the public school and co-located public preschool are being rebuilt at their original Phyllis Street site following the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods.
The new flood-resilient public school and preschool include 13 modern permanent classrooms, a library, a multipurpose hall, undercover learning and play areas, and a games court.
The flood-resilient buildings have been designed to meet the long-term needs of preschool and primary school students in South Lismore and minimise potential disruption from any future flood events, including early evacuation.
The new buildings are being manufactured offsite and will be delivered to the school site and installed by crane onto a flood-resilient steel platform, in early 2026.
Enhanced planning powers under section 68 of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022 have been used to fast-track the rebuild of the school. This is the third time these powers have been exercised by the Minister for Recovery to accelerate the reconstruction of a flood-affected public school, supporting the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver safer, more resilient learning environments for local communities. The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding flood-affected schools in the Northern Rivers, ensuring schools are built back better for local communities.
Since 2022, 16 flood-damaged schools have been repaired or rebuilt in the Northern Rivers, including Blakebrook Public School which opened to students earlier this year. Work is also underway rebuilding Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School in the Tweed.
Funding to rebuild nine extensively damaged schools, including Lismore South Public School, has been provided through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
As part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education in NSW, the 2025-26 Budget delivered $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.
This targeted investment ensures growing regional communities can access a world class public education.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:
“Construction beginning on the Lismore South Public School rebuild is an important step forward for this resilient community.
“The Northern Rivers has been through so much and our government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car and local champion Minister Janelle Saffin, is ensuring students can return to a brand-new permanent school.
“The flood-resilient design will minimise potential future disruptions, supporting these students and the community for years to come.”
Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:
“This project is more than a rebuild – it’s an investment in the future of the South Lismore community, ensuring students have the facilities they deserve and reducing the risk of disruption from future floods.
“Rebuilding Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool is a central part of the recovery work the Minns Labor Government is undertaking to create more resilient communities following the 2022 floods.
“I want to acknowledge the incredible resilience and strength of the South Lismore community, who have faced significant challenges. Together, we’re building back a better, brighter, and more resilient future.”
Lismore South Public School Principal Larissa Polak said:
“Breaking ground on our new school rebuild is an exciting moment for our entire school community.
“It’s the start of a great new chapter that’s going to be beneficial for our students, staff, and the Lismore South community for generations to come.
“This rebuild will deliver resilient school buildings to cater to the needs of our community, and we look forward to seeing our future school take shape.”
SOD TURN: Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin with, from left, Principal Larissa Polak, and School Captains Cooper Hannigan and Tahlia Taylor break ground on the rebuild.
