The NSW State Government is getting its ducks lined up as far as Northern Rivers school rebuilds are concerned from the 2022 flood with Blakebrook Public School the latest to receive a multi-million dollar rebuild.

On January 31, the Lismore App wrote about construction work starting for Empire Vale Public School with Wardell Public School granted planning approval for its rebuild with demolition work underway.

Now, Blakebrook Public School (PS) will be the recipient of $11 million to rebuild the school when Lismore City Council approves its development application (DA).

The damage caused by the February 28 2022 flood was significant at the 417 Rosehill Road site. Most of the structures are no longer habitable hence why the NSW Department of Education is proposing to demolish existing buildings and construct a new elevated school to replace it.

A DA is needed because the Local Environment Plans (LEP) lists the school grounds as being of local historical significance, so it is a requirement for all demolition work.

On the site are three timber construction heritage buildings and two dilapidated demountable classroom buildings. Due to the extent of flood damage, all buildings on site, excluding the brick toilet block and potentially the heritage buildings in blocks F and E have been marked for likely demolition by School Infrastructure NSW (SINSW). 

The entire school will be rebuilt to the east of the existing site, avoiding currently mapped flood-planning land and the bushfire-prone land to the western boundary.

The DA documents say the site is subject to flash flooding and is considered high risk due to the less than six hours of warning time. Consultation with the SES recommended that a shelter in place strategy be provided, requiring the floor level to be set above the Probable Maximum Flood Level, for this site around 19.2-19.3m AHD.

The western portion of the site was identified as the most flood-prone, being susceptible to floodwater breakout from Goolmangar Creek. Flood recommendations include positioning the buildings to the east of the site as this land is higher and less flood-prone. The proposed design has been prepared in consultation with and endorsed by the flood engineer.

The subject site has been assessed as having moderate Aboriginal archaeological sensitivity. It was recommended that the proposed buildings be relocated within the existing disturbance footprint. If not possible, a test excavation and ACHA may be necessary. Buildings A, C, E, and F are listed on the Department of Education Heritage and Conservation Register (s170 Register). Buildings C and E have been condemned due to the extent of flood damage but the recommendation is to retain buildings E and F in order to minimise impacts to built heritage values.

The floor level of the new Blakebrook PS building will be located above the design flood level to increase flood resistance and create useable ground-level spaces which include covered outdoor learning and play areas, male and female amenities and an accessible toilet/change room facility, cleaners store, sports store and a P&C uniform store room.

The first floor will include a new administration room comprising an interview room, clerical spaces, the principal's office, staff room, sick bay, store room, amenities, school library with computer room, four general learning spaces and a canteen.

The grounds of the school will include new hard and soft landscaping including a replacement playing field, playground, half games court, vegetable garden and a new yarning circle.

The plans say there will not be an increase in staff or students as a result of the works.

Blakebrook Public School principal Samuel Bowkett told the Lismore App “The excitement and anticipation are building among our students, staff and community as we take these important steps towards a bright future for Blakebrook Public School.” 

“While our school community is still sad to say goodbye to our old school buildings, it’s excited to see what Blakebrook will look like in the future. 

“The spaces within the new school will provide many opportunities for our students to engage in flexible and innovative learning experiences within our unique picturesque setting.” 

For the Lismore LGA, the big question surrounds the future rebuilding of Richmond River High School.

That answer looks to be wrapped around the Resilient Land Program.