Broadwater Public School, northern NSW rebuild approved after months of campaigning amid closure concerns

A northern NSW public school hit hard in the devastating 2022 floods has been given approval to rebuild, making the dreams of its students to “return home” come true. Here’s the details.

Artists impression Broadwater Public School Picture: School Infrastructure

A northern NSW public school hit hard in the devastating 2022 floods has been given approval to rebuild, making the dreams of its students to “return home” come true.

For the first time the state government has exercised its enhanced planning powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act to return students to their beloved Broadwater Public School.

Broadwater Public School children with Clarence MP Richie Williamson at the Broadwater Town Hall campaigning to have their school rebuilt has paid off as on Wednesday July 17 it was announced their wish was granted. Picture: Supplied

Relieving Broadwater Public School Principal Bronwyn Cole said the news was “extremely welcome” and the community was “very grateful”.

“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,” she said.

“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 wellbeing.”

Broadwater Public School with 2022 flood levels indicated by blue line

Having endured years in a demountable with a small patch of grass at Evans River K12, students, families and staff were “thoroughly excited” about “returning home”.

The Broadwater Public School was extensively damaged in the 2022 floods, displacing kindy to Year 6 students to nearby Evans Head.

P & C spokesman Emma Crethar said after months of going nowhere a petition was started in January to withdraw the DA from Richmond Valley Council and to have it approved by the state government instead.

Due to the value of the development, approx. $18 million, the DA bounced back and forth between the NSW regional planning panel and council.

Clarence MP Richie Williamson (right) with Emma Crethar and the community outside Broadwater Public School in March 2024. Picture: supplied

“That was a drawn-out process taking up resources with council and what not,” Ms Crethar said.

“Which is why we wanted the state government to give it the tick of approval and following the petition the Reconstruction Authority were the ones who took over the DA and approved it.”

Offsite completed modules for Broadwater Public School. Picture: School Infrastructure

Ms Crethar said she had not seen the new DA yet considering that 90 per cent of the new buildings have already been built off-site.

“Now that it’s approved they’ll demolish the existing buildings, and putting in the foundations then truck and crane the buildings on top of the existing foundations.

“They’re going to build for flood resilience.”

Artist impression of Broadwater Public School lodged with Richmond Valley Council in March 2024 for rebuilding the school two years after the 2022 floods

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

Artists impression Broadwater Public School Picture: School Infrastructure

“This joint effort has ensured the new Broadwater Public School will be a state-of-the-art facility, built to the highest standards of safety and resilience. We are confident this project will significantly benefit the community and provide a safe, modern learning environment for students and staff,” a spokesperson for School Infrastructure said.

Offsite completed modules for Broadwater Public School. Picture: School Infrastructure

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 modules for the new school have been constructed offsite and will be moved to the site once the site is prepared.

The construction process will be similar to the process established for the Empire Vale Public School and Wardell Public School rebuilds earlier in the year.

Artist impression of Broadwater Public School lodged with Richmond Valley Council in March 2024 for rebuilding the school two years after the 2022 floods

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

“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.”

The new school will include modular buildings raised 3.7 metres from the ground and be supported by a flood resilient steel structure.

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.

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