WE DID IT! BROADWATER PUBLIC SCHOOL IS COMING HOME

A concerted effort by the Broadwater Public P & C Association, the local community and Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson has led to the green light being given by the NSW Government to grant building approval and bypass a lengthy development application for the reconstruction of flood impacted Broadwater Public School.

“This matter has been front and centre for me and the school community, and I’d like to acknowledge the work of the NSW Reconstruction Authority who stepped in to make it happen,” Mr Williamson said.

“The outcome is a real a win for students, parents and teachers who have been without their school for over two years and are keen to return home.

“The decision also builds confidence that together as a community we will rebuild stronger from the floods. It’s another step in the right direction for recovery.

“I have always said I want to see students and teachers back in their school on day one, term one next year, and I am thrilled we are now on the path to realise that.

“The Broadwater Parents and Citizens Association has left no stone unturned and has been fighting day in day out to get to this point.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work side by side with them, and I congratulate them on their steadfast commitment and dedication to the rebuild project, the school and the local community.”

P&C President Emma Crethar said the school community is relieved to hear the development application with Richmond Valley Council has formally been withdrawn.

“We are elated by the news the NSW Reconstruction Authority has approved the rebuild of the school at its existing location,” Mrs Crethar said.

“We would particularly like to thank Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson for his hard work. He acted immediately following our initial contact back in January and has been dedicated to our cause since.

“He has been instrumental in the coordination of the key parties to the development application and in getting the best possible outcome for our school. “Lastly, I would like to thank the Broadwater community who have supported us the entire way. We did it! We are coming home!”

Mr Williamson said the planned demolition of the school will begin soon and the new school, with improved flood resilience, will be completed in time for classes next year.

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Enhanced Planning Powers to Expedite Broadwater Students’ Return to Local School

In a landmark move, the NSW Government will leverage its enhanced planning powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act to expedite the return of students to Broadwater Public School by the first term of 2025, following years of delays and community disruption.

Broadwater Public School sustained extensive damage in the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods, rendering most of its buildings uninhabitable. Consequently, local students have been forced to attend schools outside the area.

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

The new facilities at Broadwater Public School will feature three modern flexible classrooms, a new library, canteen, administration area, large undercroft play space, amenities, a yarning circle, and landscaping to harmonise with the school’s environment.

The school will incorporate modular buildings elevated 3.7 meters above the ground, supported by a flood-resilient steel structure. Utilising Modern Methods of Construction, classroom modules have been prefabricated offsite and will be transported and craned into place, significantly reducing construction time.

An information session in Term 3 will provide the Broadwater Public School community with more details about the construction program and next steps.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, said:

“Rebuilding Broadwater Public School swiftly is a priority for the Minns Labor Government, allowing students and teachers to return to their permanent school environment. This decision by the Planning Minister will ensure rapid progress in rebuilding Broadwater’s school. Public schools are vital to community wellbeing, and I appreciate the unwavering support for getting Broadwater Public School back on track.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, stated:

“This is the first use of this planning power, marking a significant step in our Government’s disaster recovery efforts. The NSW Reconstruction Authority Act allows us to fast-track recovery and reconstruction projects, supporting communities more effectively. Our commitment is to get communities like Broadwater back on their feet, and we will use all available powers to achieve this.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, commented:

“This initiative exemplifies government collaboration with flood-affected communities to find practical solutions. Schools are central to any community, and it’s crucial to get Broadwater Public School’s students and teachers back in the classroom promptly.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin, added:

“The Broadwater community has voiced their need for their school, and we have listened. The Northern Rivers Community Leaders Forum was established to guide local decision-making and engagement, leading to successful outcomes like today’s.”

Acting CEO of the Reconstruction Authority, Mal Lanyon, said:

“Supporting projects that enhance flood recovery efforts and community resilience is essential. Recommending a Ministerial authorisation under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act to rebuild Broadwater Public School underscores our commitment to recovery and community safety.”

Relieving Broadwater Public School Principal, Bronwyn Cole, expressed:

“This news is incredibly welcome for our school and community, and we are deeply grateful for the ongoing support. Since the floods, our community has shown remarkable unity and resilience. We look forward to rebuilding our school, providing a nurturing environment for our students to learn and thrive. This journey is about rebuilding and strengthening our school community, fostering a safe, supportive space for learning and growth.”

Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson MP, remarked:

“The Broadwater Public School P&C Association has been relentless in their efforts, working tirelessly to reach this milestone. It has been an honour to work alongside them, and I commend their dedication to the rebuild project, the school, and the local community.”

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$6.9 Million Grant for Bungawalbin Levee Remediation Welcomed by Local MPs

The approval of a $6.9 million grant under the State and Commonwealth Government’s Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Program (NDRA) has been hailed as a major victory for flood mitigation efforts in the lower Richmond Valley. This funding will enable Rous County Council to undertake critical repairs and enhance the stability and future resilience of the Bungawalbin Levee.

Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson expressed his satisfaction with the funding approval, noting his persistent advocacy for the remediation of the damaged levee. “The levee is an essential piece of infrastructure that offers protection to numerous properties along the eastern side of Bungawalbin Creek. It also provides crucial evacuation routes for residents in surrounding areas and safeguards a significant amount of farmland,” Mr. Williamson said.

Mr. Williamson emphasised the toll consecutive flood events have taken on the levee over the past few years, leading to its destabilisation and increased vulnerability to breaches during major floods. “Rous County Council has been striving to secure funding for some time, having even financed an independent assessment of the levee. I’m pleased that both State and Federal governments have finally provided the necessary funds to proceed with the repairs,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of the project, Mr. Williamson stated, “Improving the long-term resilience of flood mitigation infrastructure is vital to protecting local communities like those in the mid-Richmond area from future flood events.”

Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan also welcomed the announcement, underscoring his efforts in advocating for the levee repairs. “Securing $6.9 million under the Commonwealth Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements is a significant achievement. The remediation of the Bungawalbin Levee will help reduce the height of future floods, thereby protecting valuable agricultural land, residential properties, evacuation roads, and infrastructure,” Mr. Hogan said.

Mr. Hogan elaborated on the levee’s importance in protecting the Bungawalbin catchment area, which includes Swan Bay, New Italy, and Woodburn. He noted the serious concerns within the community about the levee’s ability to withstand even minor floods following the damage from the 2017, 2021, and 2022 flood events.

“Flood mitigation strategies that effectively reduce the height of future floods are crucial for ensuring a sustainable and safe future for our region. A public commitment to flood mitigation will give the community the confidence to invest and live in the area,” Mr. Hogan emphasised.

The path ahead for the broader Northern Rivers region must include robust flood mitigation measures. As these efforts move forward, the community can look forward to enhanced protection and resilience against future flood events, fostering a safer and more secure environment for residents and local businesses alike.

With the approved funding, Rous County Council will collaborate with NSW Public Works to finalise the scope of the remediation works, ensuring optimal use of the grant. This initiative follows successful repairs to the Tuckombil Levee, also funded through the NDRA and disaster recovery arrangements, which protects Woodburn and surrounding areas from flooding.

Cr Robert Mustow, Rous County Council Chair, highlighted the council’s dedication to managing and maintaining its extensive network of historic rural flood mitigation infrastructure. “These levees play a crucial role in reducing the impact of floods on the mid-Richmond community by protecting agricultural land, residential properties, evacuation roads, and infrastructure,” Cr Mustow said. “We look forward to utilising this significant investment to enhance the Bungawalbin Levee and advance our flood protection efforts.”

This grant marks a significant step towards securing the safety and resilience of the region’s flood mitigation infrastructure, providing much-needed reassurance to the communities that rely on these critical defences.

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