Broadwater, this is what your new flood resilient school will look like

Susanna Freymark

The former flood damaged Broadwater Public School is gone – demolished and only bare ground remains where playgrounds and classrooms once stood.

Today, Monday, August 26, students, teachers and parents mark the start of construction on the rebuild of their village school more than two and a half years since the 2022 flood disaster.

The start of construction comes one month after the State Government used new planning powers under the Reconstruction Authority Act to authorise the school’s redevelopment after the community protested about the delays and planning deadlock.

Read more about that here.

The new Broadwater Public School will be completed by early next year.

The school buildings will be raised four metres above the ground. There will be three modern classrooms, a new library, canteen, a school office, a large undercroft play space, a yarning circle, and new landscaping.

The school’s core facilities will all be on a single raised level, maximising play and outdoor space, with buildings supported by an engineered steel gantry.

The next step includes excavation and in-ground services, before the school buildings are delivered and installed, and the school site is landscaped.

Relieving principal Bronwyn Cole said today marks a significant and joyous milestone for the school and community.

“As we break ground, we are not only laying the foundation for a new school but also for a brighter future for our students and staff,” Ms Cole said.

“I am proud of the resilience our community has shown, and I am confident that this new school will be a source of pride and strength for generations to come.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said there was a true sense of excitement in the air as the Broadwater Public School community celebrates this important step forward.

“We are building a future where our children can thrive in an environment that is safe, modern, and built to withstand whatever comes our way,”  Ms Saffin said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the Broadwater community has campaigned for their school

“I acknowledge the passion they have shown for this wonderful community asset,” she said.

The sod turning is at 2pm today at Broadwater School.