A mere 22 months since the catastrophic flooding which caused widespread devastation across the Northern Rivers, a major rebuild and upgrades have been completed at two impacted primary schools – Mullumbimby Public School and Main Arm Upper Public School.
NSW Labor MLC, Emily Suvaal, and Tamara Smith MP, local Member for Ballina, both attended the completion ceremony on Monday morning.
Major remediation projects
Their joint press release said after the major flood damage, ‘The NSW government has since embarked on major remediation projects, to ensure the schools were not only repaired but significantly improved’.
‘At Main Arm Upper Public School, the school is celebrating the completion of works, including the renovation of every classroom, and complete refit with contemporary furniture and new IT infrastructure. The school is also now connected with concreted, colourful walkways.
‘Mullumbimby Public School is also celebrating the completion of remediation and upgrade works, which will see students and teachers enjoy new and improved facilities including classrooms, a contemporary library, a new cricket pitch and an improved music room and library’.
Improved facilities for both schools
Member of the Legislative Council Emily Suvaal said, ‘Seeing Mullumbimby Public School and Main Arm Upper Public School reopen after such major damage, and extensive remediation works is a fantastic moment for this community’.
‘I know having these schools back in working order, with significant improvements in place, will bring these communities much needed peace of mind.’
Member for Ballina Tamara Smith said, ‘The completion of these remediation projects means students will now have stability, familiarity, normality, and a sense of wellbeing’.
‘The community’s support has been invaluable and made it possible to deliver these new and upgraded facilities for the students and staff of these wonderful and resilient schools.’