The Weston Fire Brigade had been told by Fire and Rescue NSW that they would have to move to the new station at Abermain when it opens.

But the state’s new emergency services minister Troy Grant confirmed on Tuesday that the Weston firefighters will stay at their current location.

Cessnock councillor and lifelong Weston resident Anne Sander – who led a campaign to save the station – said the decision was a fantastic result for the community.

“It shows that people power can still have some influence in the decisions that affect their communities,” Cr Sander said.

“The lack of communication with all stakeholders regarding this issue hopefully is a lesson learnt by all tiers of government that try to railroad decisions through without going through due process.

“The community of Weston can now look forward to a future where when called upon, our dedicated firefighters arrive to help in what is usually dire situations.

“It’s a win for common sense.”

Cr Sander urged Weston residents – particularly younger people – to consider applying to become a retained firefighter.

“We cannot reinforce enough the importance of ensuring our fire station has adequate numbers of personnel to attend emergency situations,” she said.

The Abermain Fire Brigade will transfer to their new station on February 7 or 8.

A Fire and Rescue NSW spokesperson said Weston and Abermain fire stations will each retain their current level of resources (one appliance each).

The spokesperson said all of Fire and Rescue NSW’s new stations (including Abermain) are built with a double engine bay to cater for any future need for extra appliances.

Cr Sander said the petition to keep the fire station open will remain in circulation at local businesses in Weston.

“If they come knocking on our door again, we’ll know we have the support,” she said.

The petition can be downloaded here and should be posted to: Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr, PO Box 242, Cessnock NSW 2325.

Cessnock City Council has reinforced its support for Weston Fire Station by passing a mayoral minute at Wednesday night’s meeting.

Mayor Bob Pynsent acknowledged the decision to keep the fire station open and reiterated the importance of these services in the community.

Council will request the acting Fire and Rescue NSW commissioner (or the new commissioner once appointed) address council as a matter of urgency on strategies to ensure the adequate resourcing of both firefighters and appliances for all Fire and Rescue stations in the Cessnock local government area.

“Any decision which involves cuts to fire stations in the Cessnock local government area is extremely worrying for the community, especially in light of recent events that have occurred in the Weston and Kurri Kurri area,” Cr Pynsent said.

“The bush fires that have ripped through our community during this bushfire season are proof of just how important this service is in protecting residents.

“A decrease in staffing levels may result in longer response times which could have devastating ramifications.

“Our community’s safety depends on all our local stations remaining open and manned fully.”