Richmond River High School Campus will be rebuilt on a site along Dunoon Road in North Lismore, the NSW Government announced today.

In a letter to parents, carers and staff, the government said, "We can now confirm that we are in the process of acquiring land along Dunoon Road (163 and170 Alexandra Parade) at North Lismore for the new campus."

"This follows an extensive search for potential sites. Our process considered the planning criteria for a flood resilient campus, and the community's vision for public secondary education in Lismore and the surrounding areas.

"The location reflects the community's preference for a new campus within the existing RRHC catchment and its strong connection with primary school partners. Additionally, it maintains the rural identity of the RRHC by enabling the agriculture facilities and sports fields to be on a single school site.

The Department of Education has confirmed negotiations with the landowners are well-progressed, and an in-principle agreement has been reached.

The site assessment process considered the planning criteria for a flood resilient campus, and the community’s vision for secondary education in Lismore and surrounding areas.

Rebuilding Richmond River High Campus will ensure the long tradition of the school that has educated generations of the area’s young people will be continued – with modern purpose-built facilities in a more flood resilient location, with the school set to be rebuild above 2022 flood levels and the probable maximum flood (PMF) level.

Next steps                                                                                                                    --

"The Department is continuing negotiations with the landowners to acquire the site.

• We are consulting with the Widjabul Wia-bal Gurrumbil Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC to understand the context of the site's setting in Country. This is to ensure that Widjabul Wia-bal's cultural heritage is considered and reflected in the design of new campus.
• We are working with relevant stakeholders to progress the rezoning of the land to allow for a new educational facility to be built on the site.
• Now that a preferred option has been confirmed, we are developing the campus design with the project stakeholders to align with the delivery schedule.

"We look forward to sharing the masterplan and concept designs for the new RHHC campus with students, staff and the P&C in Term 3 2024."

"Rebuilding RRHC is a significant milestone in realising the community's vision for public secondary school education for generations of young people in Lismore and the surrounding areas."

You can find information, as well as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the RRHC project page or by scanning the QR code.

"Thank you for your ongoing patience while we undertake this important project."

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin told the Lismore App, "This is a really good decision. It's good for the people of North Lismore catchment and good for businesses in the CBD who can thrive and survive."

"The new site is on the right side of town and out of flood. It will continue the long history of Richmond River High School in North Lismore and I am sure this will be welcomed by former and future students alike."