Flood-resilient school plans released

PLANS for a new flood-resilient Richmond River High School campus have been released for community feedback.

The North Lismore site will house 36 classrooms, specialist learning areas, science labs, workshops, a library, a multipurpose hall, and facilities for sport, agriculture, construction and food technologies.

Principal of Rivers Secondary College, Richmond River High Campus, Luke Woodward, said the plans marked a milestone for the school and community.

“The new build allows us to create an environment where our students can thrive and feel safe and secure, with facilities reflective of our identity,” Woodward said.

“This location will provide us with the potential to offer more holistic learning opportunities across all areas of education.

“We envision spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, ensuring our students are well-prepared for the future.”

The new campus will replace facilities damaged beyond repair in the 2022 floods, giving students a permanent home on higher ground after more than two years in temporary spaces.

Minister for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the plans reflected community input.

“This will be a flood-resilient campus for Lismore and surrounds, serving the local primary schools in the area,” Saffin said.

“It will maintain a green and rural feel, preserving the character that the community told us during consultation has made Richmond River High important to young people in Lismore for so many years.”

The project is jointly funded by the federal and state governments through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Construction is scheduled to start soon, with the campus due for completion by early 2027.

The community can comment on the plans until August 21 by visiting schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au