About the Port Stephens Coastal Patrol Radio Base
Port Stephens Division Radio Base commenced operations on 21st November 1982 from a caravan located at Nelson Head where the Maritime Service Board had agreed for it to be parked adjacent to the lighthouse residence. It had two radios and was opened by Mr. Arthur Wade the State Member for Port Stephens.
Crown Lands Office and Port Stephens Council approved in July 1983 the Division having permanent occupancy lease of the old gun sight at Nelson Head and work commenced immediately on erecting a building. Sept 28th 1983 saw the R.A.A.F Base Williamtown helicopters transport and lower into position the pylon radio mast presented to the Patrol by Carrington Slipways.
This new Base had wonderful views of the entry into Port Stephens and was equipped with all marine radio frequencies and radio direction finding equipment. This Base proved to be invaluable in many rescues and today is used as a meeting room for small groups mainly for education purposes.
The success of the Division and the increase in boating movements in the Port meant that bigger accommodation was needed to house both the 24 hour a day radio operations / administration areas and the increasing demands for education facilities for the Patrol members and the general public.
After many years work the draft plan of management started in 1988 for Nelson Head was approved and the building of the new Radio Base commenced. The appearance of the Base looking like two huge water towers certainly promotes discussion. The design by Suters Architects enhancing the heritage position it stands upon. The Governor of NSW Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair, AC AO, opened the Base in July 1993
The new Radio Base
Sophisticated Radio Equipment covering VHF, HF, UHF, and 27 MHz, together with the Radio Direction Finding ability make it one of the best coast stations on the East Coast of Australia. Radar and a wonderful aspect for overseeing the entry into Port Stephens further enhance this capability. The Base is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides information regarding local weather conditions to Radio / TV Stations and any vessels that request it. This is as well as the regular broadcast information at specific times to all vessels and the regular information sent to the Bureau of Meteorology, the Patrol being the official weather station at Nelson Bay.
The Base is manned entirely by volunteers who log vessels on and off and report any vessels that are overdue or any incidents that may occur for the appropriate action to be taken. Strict Operating Procedures are followed and in an emergency the lifeboat can be underway in less than 20 minutes.
Two of the many volunteers manning the Radio Base.
Thousands of tourists visit the Radio Base and museum every month to see the Base in action and to take in the breathtaking views over the entrance to the Port. The management of the whole headland and the museum cottage (See Museum Page) has been the responsibility of the Division since 1992.
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