Lismore South Public School Students Preview Designs for New School

Students at Lismore South Public School have had their first glimpse of designs for their new school, which, along with Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool, will be rebuilt following extensive damage from the devastating Lismore floods in 2022.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin joined student leaders today to unveil the designs and invite students and community members to a community information session next week to view the full set of masterplan and concept designs.

The new school will feature 13 modern classrooms, a library, a multi-purpose hall, undercover learning and play areas, a games court, and a preschool. Key facilities will be located on the first floor with a flood-resilient design, positioned 4 meters above natural ground—500 millimetres higher than the 2022 flood level—supported by engineered flood-resilient structures. Access to these facilities will be via lifts, ramps, and stairs, all connected by an undercover walkway.

This elevated design aims to minimise future disruptions from floods, allowing students to return to face-to-face learning more quickly while providing extensive undercover outdoor teaching and play areas.

The primary school and preschool will share an entrance, with the preschool having its own first-floor play area and toilets, as well as additional facilities on the ground floor.

Community Information Session Details:

• When: 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm, Wednesday, 7 August 2024
• Where: Lismore South Public School COLA, Wilson Street, South Lismore

Lismore South Public School Playground Design Render

As part of the planning process, the Department is preparing a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) to identify potential impacts of the rebuild on the local community. A planning application will be submitted once all necessary information, including the SIA, is completed.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding flood-impacted schools in the Northern Rivers region, aiming to create more resilient educational facilities. This initiative is part of the Government’s $1.4 billion investment to deliver new and upgraded schools for regional communities, ensuring every student in NSW can access high-quality education facilities.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, expressed her enthusiasm about the project: “I am pleased to see designs for the rebuild of Lismore South Public School revealed. We are dedicated to ensuring that the resilient students of Lismore South can return to a permanent school, which they can now see and look forward to. The raised, flood-resilient design is crucial to minimising future disruptions and supporting our community.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, remarked: “The release of these designs marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to rebuild and enhance Lismore South Public School. It is a pleasure to share this sneak peek at the designs with the students who will benefit from the new school facilities, and I look forward to seeing the additional designs next week. We are focused on creating a learning environment that not only meets the needs of our students but also provides resilience against future flood events.”

Lismore South Public School Principal, Larissa Polak, shared her excitement: “Our students and staff are eagerly anticipating the new school and are very excited to see what it will look like. The designs reflect a thoughtful approach to creating a dynamic and resilient learning space that caters to the unique needs of our community. We are particularly excited about the raised build and extensive outdoor areas that will enhance our teaching and learning experiences.”

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