A recent fire safety inspection at Kiama's Blue Haven aged care facility has uncovered serious concerns about emergency exit accessibility, with some doors requiring significant force to open - putting vulnerable residents at risk during potential evacuations.
Inspection Reveals Multiple Safety Deficiencies
Fire and Rescue NSW conducted a joint inspection with Kiama Council of Stage 5 of the Terralong independent living units in July 2025. The inspection report, scheduled for presentation at Tuesday night's council meeting, identified multiple compliance issues that could compromise resident safety during emergencies.
The most alarming finding concerned multiple exit doors from car park areas that would not allow occupants to evacuate safely given their mobility levels and other characteristics. According to the report, the force required to open some doors violated National Construction Code requirements.
Additional Emergency System Concerns
Beyond the problematic exit doors, inspectors raised concerns about other critical safety systems. The building's occupant warning system came under scrutiny, with Fire and Rescue NSW unable to confirm whether emergency alerts would sound throughout all occupied areas.
Specifically, inspectors noted the absence of sounders or speakers on the Sky Deck balcony area, raising doubts about whether occupants in that space would receive emergency warnings. The report also highlighted issues with evacuation diagrams and emergency signage throughout the facility.
Council Response and Financial Implications
Despite the identified deficiencies, Kiama Council has stated that expert advice confirms the facility remains safe for occupation. The concerns primarily relate to compliance standards rather than immediate danger.
Council staff initially discovered the fire safety issues during routine maintenance in July 2025. The subsequent joint inspection with Fire and Rescue NSW confirmed the severity of the problems.
The business papers acknowledge that addressing the recommendations will likely have financial implications for the council. Staff have recommended that councillors accept the inspection report, with a follow-up report expected at the next meeting to determine whether a formal fire safety order should be issued.
Additional Council Business: Quarry Transport Concerns
In unrelated business also appearing on Tuesday's agenda, Kiama Council has raised objections to a proposed 50 percent increase in tonnage from the Cleary Bros Gerroa Sand Quarry.
The modification request to NSW Planning Department seeks to raise the annual limit from 80,000 tonnes to 120,000 tonnes. Council's submission expresses concern that larger vehicles required for the increased tonnage would be unable to use existing transport routes due to a 3.3-meter height restriction on Tannery Road.
This would divert heavy vehicles through Gerroa and Gerringong township, potentially impacting local residents and road safety. The council has requested an updated traffic impact assessment before any determination is made.
The fire safety issues at Blue Haven represent the latest challenge for Kiama Council in maintaining aged care facility standards while managing budgetary constraints. The decision on whether to issue a formal fire safety order will be closely watched by residents and their families.
