Rebuilding schools, both primary and secondary, has been a long-term problem for the NSW Government and private operators, such as Trinity Catholic College.

Closer to home, South Lismore Public School has been rebuilt and reopened, and Richmond River High School will be rebuilt on a new flood-free site. Approximately 25 kilometres away, Broadwater Public School was in a similar position of not knowing the fate of their local school, having been closed for the last two and a half years.

In a statement released today, the NSW Government will use its enhanced planning powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act, for the first time, to return students back to Broadwater Public School in the first term of 2025, ending years of delay and impacts to the community.

Broadwater Public School was extensively damaged in the devastating floods that impacted the Northern Rivers in 2022, leaving most of the buildings uninhabitable and in need of repair. Since then, local students have had to travel out of the area to attend school.

With the support of the NSW Department of Education, Richmond Valley Council, the school community, and the CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA), the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has authorised the school’s redevelopment using the RA’s enhanced planning powers.

Broadwater Public School’s new facilities will include three modern flexible classrooms, a new library, canteen, administration area, large undercroft play space and amenities, a yarning circle, and landscaping to complement the school’s surroundings.

The new school will include modular buildings raised 3.7 metres from the ground and be supported by a flood resilient steel structure. Using Modern Methods of Construction techniques, classroom modules have been completed offsite and will be transported and craned into the existing site once the steel structures are in place, cutting construction time.

More information about the construction program and next steps will be shared with the Broadwater Public School community at an information session in Term 3.

Relieving Broadwater Public School Principal Bronwyn Cole said, "This is extremely welcome news for our school and community, and we are very grateful for the ongoing support we have received.

“Since the floods, we've all witnessed remarkable unity and resilience within our community, and I am deeply moved by the bonds that have strengthened during this time.

"We are looking forward to the rebuilding of our school so students can learn and thrive in their own community. This journey is not just about rebuilding, but about nurturing our school community and fostering a safe, supportive space for learning and growth.

“Together, we will continue to build a strong foundation for our students' success and well-being."

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “The Broadwater community has spoken, and we have been listening, they need their school back.

“That’s exactly why we established the Northern Rivers Community Leaders Forum, to guide local decision-making and local engagement for outcomes like the one we have today.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, “Rebuilding Broadwater Public School as quickly as possible is a priority for the Minns Labor Government, so students and teachers can finally return to their own school on a permanent basis.

“This change by the Planning Minister will ensure that work to rebuild Broadwater’s school can now proceed swiftly.

“The people of Broadwater know that public schools are integral to the wellbeing of communities, and I want to acknowledge the unwavering support shown to getting Broadwater Public School back on track.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “This is the first time this planning power has been used and is an important step in our Government’s response to disaster recovery.

“The powers in the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act mean that we can fast-track recovery and reconstruction projects to better support communities.

“This Government is committed to getting communities like Broadwater back on their feet, and as we’ve shown today, we will use the full powers available to the RA to help us do that again when needed. 

Acting CEO of the Reconstruction Authority Mal Lanyon said, “It is important we back projects that support flood recovery efforts and make communities more resilient.

“Recommending to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces for a Ministerial authorisation under the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s Act to rebuild the Broadwater Public School is a significant demonstration of our commitment to recovering and ensuring the safety and welfare of communities.”