Future of a flood-wrecked Richmond River High School, North Lismore up in air

The community has been helping determine the future of a large Lismore school smashed by the 2022 floods. Here’s what’s happening.

The future of Richmond River High School in North Lismore is being decided. Picture: Cath Piltz

Authorities are calling for feedback to determine the future of a Northern Rivers high school left abandoned for more than 17 months after the 2022 flooding disaster.

Richmond River High School on Lake St, North Lismore was attended by more than 500 students from years 7-12 before the natural disasters.

As part of planning to rebuild the school, the NSW Department of Education has been consulting with the Lismore community about the long-term vision for secondary education in the regional city.

A department spokesman said delivering new and refurbished facilities in the wake of the devastating floods while minimising disruption to learning was the “top priority.”

“While planning to rebuild Richmond River High campus we continue to consult widely with the Lismore community,” the spokesman said.

Richmond River High School library block in early 2022. Picture: Supplied

Workshops were held with school staff and students, partner primary school principals and The Rivers Secondary College campus staff and students in June.

More workshops involving P&C members and key stakeholders were held last week.

It comes after hundreds of displaced students, teachers, and staff have taken to a “pop-up” campus alongside Lismore High School in East Lismore.

Richmond River High School during the flooding.

School Infrastructure NSW has been working with the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) and Lismore City Council to help identify and assess suitable locations for further consideration.

Community members, parents, alumni, teachers and staff have been urged to complete an online survey which closes on Friday, August 4.

“The department hopes to communicate with the community in Term 4, 2023 about the preferred solution for rebuilding Richmond River High Campus,” the spokesman said.

Richmond River High School hall almost one year after the school was inundated by the worst flood in the city's history. Picture: Andrew Quilty

One parent shared on social media: “I personally do not want to see my old high school, Richmond River be gone, never to be again. Nor do I want to see my children’s school, Lismore High be amalgamated with RRHS.”

The future location for the school will be based on a review of the long-term educational need in Lismore and surrounding communities.

A decision on Richmond River High’s future location will take into account recommendations from the NRRC and the council about housing plans and post-flood planning.

“The preferred solution for rebuilding RRHC will need to be flood resilient, economically feasible and support a community vision for education in Lismore and surrounding areas,” the department spokesman said.

“Once a preferred outcome has been identified, planning, design and construction phases will follow usual School Infrastructure NSW pathways for the delivery of new schools.”

The NRRC and the NSW Reconstruction Authority were contacted for comment.