Blakebrook Public School students are set to return to their permanent school in Term 2 2025 after the NSW Government used enhanced planning powers to end delays following the devastating 2022 floods. While this is welcome news, the delays have been a frustration to parents.

It is the second time the NSW Government has used powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act to authorise the redevelopment of a school.

The damage caused by the February 28 2022 flood was significant at the 417 Rosehill Road site and most of the structures were no longer habitable. A DA (development application) needed to be lodged with council because the Local Environment Plans (LEP) listed the school grounds as being of local historical significance. This is a requirement for all demolition work.

The $11 million 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 undercroft 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. 

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."

Local parent Erica Gully said, "While we're really happy to see the rebuild moving forward, we're disappointed it has taken over 2 1/2 years and some persistent campaigning of local MP's to get to this point. 

"We hope those involved have taken some learnings from our experience so that in future, kids impacted by natural disasters don't have to go through years of confusion and turmoil to get back to normal schooling.

"You couldn't find a better example of red tape impacting on the lives of ordinary people. Let's hope these changes actually result in bums on seats in term 2, and not more empty promises. Our kids deserve much, much better."

The NSW Government said it 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.”