Editors’ note: Artist impressions for The Rivers Secondary College, Richmond River High Campus available here.
NEW designs for the rebuild of the Richmond River High Campus have been shared with the community as the Minns Labor Government progresses the project to replace flood-damaged facilities with a world-class campus at a new flood-resilient location in North Lismore.
Students, families and the community are invited to view the plans for the new campus, part of The Rivers Secondary College alongside Kadina High and Lismore High, which can be accessed via the NSW Planning Portal until 21 August.
The campus will include 36 modern classrooms, plus three support classrooms, 14 specialist learning spaces (including science labs and wood and metal workshops), a library, a multipurpose hall, performance spaces, facilities for sport, agriculture, construction and food technologies.
The buildings will be placed on high ground overlooking the sports fields and green spaces. Connecting with Country consultation is continuing to ensure the design reflects Bundjalung culture.
The project has undergone extensive redesign following the 2024 community information session and technical investigations of the new site to ensure the rebuild is more resilient and future-ready for the school community.
Key updates include:
- Repositioning school buildings to the south, ensuring the school buildings are located above the Probable Maximum Flood level;
- Modular construction, which includes offsite manufacturing of the school buildings while civil infrastructure works are carried out onsite, to expedite the delivery of the rebuild;
- Relocating the campus entrance to Dunoon Road which will provide better parking and access, and reduce future congestion off Secondary Road;
- Updating the building layout to accommodate the new school entry.
In collaboration with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, planning approval will be fast-tracked by an additional two months and the project is on track for completion by early 2027.
The NSW Government has now repaired or rebuilt 16 of 21 flood-damaged schools in the Northern Rivers.
Additional funding to help rebuild nine extensively flood-damaged schools has been provided by the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly administered by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:
“The new Richmond River High Campus has been designed in partnership with the community, ensuring it meets their needs and remains a vital cornerstone for decades to come.
“This project is a major investment in the future of the Lismore community, providing a modern and resilient school environment to ensure local students receive a world class public education.
“I want to acknowledge the incredible resilience and strength of this community, which has faced significant challenges with unwavering determination. Together, we’re building a brighter, stronger future for local students, staff, and families.”
Minister for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:
“It is so good to see Richmond River High being built back in North Lismore. The new plans are based on extensive feedback from students, staff, parents, and members of our community.
“This will be a flood-resilient campus for Lismore and surrounds, serving the local primary schools in the area. It will maintain a green and rural feel, preserving the character that the community told us during consultation has made Richmond River High important to young people in Lismore for so many years.
“The rebuild not only meets the current needs of our community but also prepares us for any challenges the future may bring.”
The Rivers Secondary College, Richmond River High Campus Principal Luke Woodward said:
“The release of the plans for the new Richmond River High Campus is an exciting milestone for our school and community.
“The new build allows us to create an environment where our students can thrive and feel safe and secure, with facilities reflective of our identity. We can’t wait for construction to start and for the return of Richmond River High Campus to a rural setting.
“This location will provide us with the potential to offer more holistic learning opportunities across all areas of education. We envision spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, ensuring our students are well-prepared for the future.”
