It was all systems go with the rebuild of Broadwater Public School on Monday with works on site establishment and demolition set to commence paving the way for the reconstruction of the school after it was extensively damaged by the 2022 floods, Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has announced.

The green light came two weeks’ ago after the NSW Government used the Reconstruction Authority’s enhanced planning powers to withdraw its development application to the local council and approve the redevelopment of the school.

“I said all along to the Government that a development application wasn’t necessary as it was State significant public infrastructure project and approval could be fast-tracked through the Government’s own internal planning pathway,” Mr Williamson said.

“Commonsense prevailed in the end, which was very welcome news and a real credit to the P&C Association who left no stone unturned in reaching this outcome.

“Monday will be an exciting day for students, teachers and the Broadwater community as a whole as works begin on the much anticipated rebuild of the school.”

The early works on the school site include:

• Installation of temporary fencing around the perimeter of the site.
• The installation of the site office.
• The removal of some trees, as approved in the development application.
• The establishment of temporary power and water.

Once the early site works are complete, specialised contractors will begin removing asbestos-containing material from the ceiling and eaves of the flood-affected building. The material is classified as non-friable and will take up to three days to remove, weather permitting.

The site is scheduled to be demolished in two weeks following the asbestos removal.

Mr Williamson said the school community worked hard to get to this point, and their hard work is now paying off.

“They have displayed incredible unity and resilience and I look forward to welcoming the students, teachers and parents back to the Broadwater Public School in 2025,” he said.