Planning is underway to rebuild RRCH after it was extensively damaged by floods in early 2022.

The department is committed to rebuilding a modern, purpose-built school with new classrooms and learning spaces tailored to the educational needs of the Northern Rivers community now, and into the future.

Students are learning from a temporary campus at The Rivers Secondary College Lismore High Campus.

We are looking at all options for rebuilding RRHC, including rebuilding on the original site in Lake Street, North Lismore. However, the extensive flood damage to the site and the significant ongoing risk of future flooding, means rebuilding at the Lake Street site is highly unlikely.

The department is looking at all solutions for rebuilding RHHC. The decision will be guided by:

·   a review of the long-term educational need in Lismore and surrounding communities

·   SINSW guidelines for the selection of school sites and design of school projects

·   consultation with the school and community

·   future housing and post flood planning in Lismore.

The preferred solution for rebuilding RRHC will need to be flood resilient, economically feasible and support the community’s vision for education in Lismore and surrounding areas for generations to come.

School Infrastructure NSW is continuing discussions with the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC), Lismore Council and other stakeholders to identify and assess potential locations for the school rebuild.

Rebuilding damaged school infrastructure in the region is a priority for the Department of Education.

A significant investment is being made in rebuilding RRHC. We need to make sure we take the time to make the right decision.

Once a preferred solution is identified, we expect it will take two to four years to obtain planning approval and rebuild the campus. We will keep the community updated on time frames throughout the planning, design, approval, and construction phases..

RRHC students will remain at their temporary site at the Lismore High Campus until their campus is rebuilt.

The learning spaces in the temporary campus are state of the art and include classrooms as well as specialist subject spaces such as science labs, workshops, kitchens and music, art rooms and canteen building.

We have committed to communicating with the school and community throughout all stages of the project.

Consultation was held in Term 2 and early Term 3 2023 to understand the long-term vision for high school education in Lismore and surrounding areas. An online survey was also open from 27 June to 11 August. The outcomes of the consultation are here.

This feedback is providing important information when considering the nature of the rebuild. 

We are hoping to communicate with the community in Term 4 2023 about the direction for rebuilding RRHC.

We will continue to share information with the community through website updates, information sessions and project updates. You can also contact us by email at FloodRecovery_RRHC@det.nsw.gov.au or phone on 1300 482 651.