Port Stephens Council asked residents to pick between Lionel Morten Oval and Engel Street, after the existing site at Wattle Street was deemed unworkable due to infrastructure and engineering factors.

The online poll, which listed the pros and cons for each site, attracted 102 submissions, with 73.5 per cent of respondents opting for the Engel Avenue site over Lionel Morten Oval.

The council’s emergency management coordinator Cameron Donaldson said the community made its feelings clear.

“It’s great to see that so many people took the time to have their say on the location of Karuah’s new fire station,” he said.

“The feedback is important, as we want to make sure this facility is built in the best place to meet the community’s needs in a variety of emergency situations. 

“Engel Avenue attracted almost three-quarters of the vote due to the fact it offers more space, more parking, less impact on the sports field and is close to the Karuah township in case of an emergency.”

The existing fire station at Wattle Street no longer meets the operational needs of the Rural Fire Service due to structural issues.

Members of the Karuah Rural Fire Brigade spoke about the need for a new station in 2016 (story below).

The new fire station will provide the brigade with a modern shed. It is scheduled for construction in the 2018/19 financial year.

Mr Donaldson said Port Stephens Council would oversee the new shed’s construction.

But it must first secure funding, which is being sought from the NSW Government, and discussions are ongoing with the NSW Rural Fire Service.

“Now that a location has been decided, we can begin the design phase and seek funding to commence construction,” Mr Donaldson said.

“Once complete, our Rural Fire Service volunteers will have a modern facility that will enable them to deliver effective services to the local community.”

For more information, head to Port Stephens Council’s online portal for the Karuah fire station.

Story from July 2016

Beyond frustrated with sub-standard conditions Karuah Rural Fire Service has broken ranks in its fight for a new shed.

The acting captain Ken Smee has revealed a long list of problems from structural cracking to flooding and improper facilities for men and women working in close quarters.

“We’ve done everything by the book until now and it’s got us nowhere,” he said. 

“They were saying 2018 now it’s 2020. If they don’t spend some money it’s going to fall down before then.”

The besser block walls have begun to sway and separate, propped up with lengths of timber. Port Stephens Council says it has made the premises safe but the volunteers say it’s a nightmare. 

The single shower is cold water only and the “office” consists of a foldout camp table in the spare vehicle bay. A bookshelf sits on bricks to keep it out of the water when the shed regularly floods. There’s just one toilet, no hand basin.

Ministerial correspondence has dashed the brigade’s hopes for action. 

“It is expected that the development application for the new Karuah Brigade Station will be completed in the 2016-17 financial years, with building expected to be complete in the 2019-20 financial year,” a parliamentary secretary wrote. 

“I am advised by the NSW RFS that the Karuah Brigade Station is listed for priority replacement. In recent years maintenance of the station has been minimal because of its planned replacement.”   

Lemon Tree Passage RFS had its plans approved last month with work expected to start within six months.

“It is outrageous that the Emergency Services Minister [David Elliott] would expect local fire fighters to work in deteriorating conditions, with no relief in sight until possibly 2020,” Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said. 

“Why has Karuah fire station been allowed to crumble while other areas get new stations?”

The council defended its maintenance.

“A structural engineer has assessed the building and deemed it safe,” the spokesman said.  “Council undertakes regular routine maintenance on all RFS facilities in the Port Stephens LGA.”

In a statement, NSW RFS headquarters said it would continue to work with members to address concerns.