Work is underway on new permanent buildings for Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool, which were damaged in the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers Floods.
Both the public school and co-located public preschool are being rebuilt at their original Phyllis Street site. The new flood-resilient public school and preschool include 13 modern permanent classrooms, a library, a multipurpose hall, undercover learning and play areas, and a games court.
“Construction beginning on the Lismore South Public School rebuild is an important step forward for this resilient community,” said Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning, Courtney Houssos.
“The Northern Rivers has been through so much and our government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car and local champion Minister Janelle Saffin, is ensuring students can return to a brand-new permanent school.
“The flood-resilient design will minimise potential future disruptions, supporting these students and the community for years to come.”
The buildings have been designed to meet the long-term needs of preschool and primary school students in South Lismore and minimise potential disruption from any future flood events, including early evacuation.
The new buildings are being manufactured offsite and will be delivered to the school site and installed by crane onto a flood-resilient steel platform, in early 2026.
“This project is more than a rebuild – it’s an investment in the future of the South Lismore community, ensuring students have the facilities they deserve and reducing the risk of disruption from future floods,” said Minister for Recovery and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin.
Enhanced planning powers under section 68 of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022 have been used to fast-track the rebuild of the school.
“Breaking ground on our new school rebuild is an exciting moment for our entire school community,” said Lismore South Public School Principal, Larissa Polak.
“It’s the start of a great new chapter that’s going to be beneficial for our students, staff, and the Lismore South community for generations to come.
“This rebuild will deliver resilient school buildings to cater to the needs of our community, and we look forward to seeing our future school take shape.”
Since 2022, 16 flood-damaged schools have been repaired or rebuilt in the Northern Rivers, including Blakebrook Public School which opened to students earlier this year. Work is also underway rebuilding Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School in the Tweed.
Funding to rebuild nine extensively damaged schools, including Lismore South Public School, has been provided through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
