Northern Rivers families are one step closer to returning to permanent school facilities at Blakebrook Public School, more than two years on from the devastating Northern Rivers floods.

Construction is now underway on the new Blakebrook Public School, which will include an elevated building, raised approximately four metres above the ground, supported by a flood-resilient steel structure.

The first floor includes four new classrooms, a library, canteen and administration areas connected by undercover walkways, and a ground floor area with new bathrooms, an under croft play space and new landscaping.

The start of construction at Blakebrook Public School comes just over a month after the NSW Government used enhanced powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act to accelerate the planning approval, ensuring students will be able to return to permanent classrooms in Term 2, 2025. Reconstruction of the school is expected to take about six months.

Offsite manufacturing of the building components is well progressed, with fabrication of the school building modules completed, and work continuing on the fabrication of the steel gantry.

Next steps onsite include installation of stormwater systems, ground works and piling, followed by delivering and installing the steel gantry and building modules. This will be followed by the fit out of the buildings, installation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and services connection, and landscaping.

The NSW Government is getting on with the job of rebuilding public education in NSW, and ensuring flood-impacted schools in the Northern Rivers are being repaired and rebuilt, so communities can get back on their feet.

Work to design and deliver schools in the Northern Rivers in continuing. Each project is managing local and site-specific factors.

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

“I am pleased to see construction begin at Blakebrook Public School, just over one month after our Government took steps to ensure the school could be delivered as soon as possible.

“I want to thank the school and the local community for their patience. Work to get this project moving means students are expected to return to school by Term 2, next year.

“It is vital that high-quality classrooms and facilities are returned to Northern Rivers communities, so families can focus on a bright future.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“It’s good to see construction begin at Blakebrook Public School, so families know their children will be back learning in permanent facilities soon.

“The enhanced powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act have allowed this project to get moving, and that is great to see for this community.

“We’ll continue to use these enhanced powers, where appropriate, to make sure communities are equipped with the services they need.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“It is exciting to see works start at Blakebrook – with a clear path for students to return to permanent classrooms.

“Our community has shown fortitude and forbearance, and the return of vital educational infrastructure is needed for us to get back on our feet.”

Blakebrook Public School Relieving Principal Alaric Coulter said:

"We’re excited to hit this important milestone in rebuilding Blakebrook Public School. Our students are looking forward to seeing their new school take shape. A place designed to support their learning in a safe, inspiring environment equipped for the future.

"Our community’s resilience has been remarkable, and this new school will stand as a testament to that strength. We’re looking forward to welcoming our students back to a purpose-built school designed to support their future."