Artefacts Found on Fire Station Site

FIRE and Rescue New South Wales advised the plans for the new fire station in Murrurundi were changed when they uncovered artefacts on the site and they are keen to work with the community for the final fire station design.

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Archaeologists assessing the site unearthed bottles and bricks which may date to the earliest white settlement in the area, the full details of what was found and how the artefacts should be managed during building will be provided to Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) in a report, which they will make available to the public.

In the meantime a third set of plans for the fire station are being developed which they hope better address some of the communities concerns.

The new fire station will be built beside the old fire station in Murrurundi.

Jim Hamilton, deputy commissioner for Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) said the revised plans included moving the fire station further form the neighbours fence line and more consideration for the streetscape in a heritage area.

“The revised plans include moving the fire station three metres further away from the neighbouring cottage and ensuring the facade, including the roof, has been redesigned in keeping with the heritage streetscape of the Murrurundi heritage precinct,” Mr Hamilton said.

“This redesign was conducted under the guidance of a heritage architect,” he said.

“However, it should be noted that if FRNSW followed strict heritage guidelines, the roof would have to be pitched higher and would cast more shadow over the neighbouring property therefore it has been amended slightly,” he said.

“Overall the proposed third design would be a better fit within the Conservation Area than the initial design.

“It sits comfortably with the other nearby buildings while still deferring to them.

“Once the plans have been approved, NSW Public Works will again notify neighbours of the revised designs,” he said.

“FRNSW is eager to provide Murrurundi with a state of the art fire station that meets the community needs,” Jim Hamilton said.

Kylie-Anne Craig, owner of the neighbouring property said she was relieved there would be revised plans.

A key concern raised by Ms Craig was the significant shadow which would be cast down the length of her property, so she was pleased staff were to measure her property to better calculate and manage the shadow.

“I am very pleased they are actually taking the comments seriously and hopefully we can find the best outcome for the heritage conservation of the area and also as their neighbour,” said Ms Craig.