ajj2

I’d like to give the review of Medowie that I wish I’d read before I moved here. This is based on my experience only; others may differ.

Firstly, I love Medowie. I have lived here for 6 years. I love the large, rural blocks. It is fantastic for a family. I love the 30 minute proximity to Newcastle or Nelson Bay. I love the convenience to the airport (10 mins), and the ease of bus routes to the shops, or stockton ferry if you need it. I love the bush setting, black cockatoos and other wildlife.
But, it’s what I don’t love that is more valuble to you when researching, so as to decide if Medowie is right for you.

What I don’t love about Medowie...
- the mosquitos!!
I was aware that mosquitos were bad in the housing Estate area I was looking to buy in due to a friend already living there. At the time, I dismissed this as fine, and underestimated how much this would impact my life. I presumed it might be seasonal - it isn’t. They are better in winter but still very much around. At my place, they are so bad, we keep mosquito nets on our bed all year round. We waited 5 years, hoping it might improve but eventually had to install a patio screened enclosure to actually be able to use the patio. However, whilst we can happily use this area now, this screening has made it hotter in summer, so there are trade-offs.

Before the enclosure, the mosquiros were so bad, they would swarm, sitting on our patio sliding door screens (or any doors) waiting to get in when we opened the door, around 20-30+, no joke! We have to use repellent all year round we go outside, which ironically impacts how much we use our half acre block backyard. My husband has had diagnosed ross river virus, and possibly the rest of the family too, just not diagnosed. It is a health hazard. I think a large contributor to this problem is the swampy bushland of Medowie (a major appeal) and the clay soil which impacts drainage in the area. When looking to buy, check out surrounding houses to see if they have screened enclosures - if so, it will be a good indicator as to mosquito problems.

Still, if you are happy to constantly live with applying repellent, killing mosquitos inside (think squashed on walls, roofs, then constantly having to clean off) using mosiquto nets on beds (annoying to sleep with) and not be able to swim and lie by your pool for very long due to mosquitos swarming, then this might be OK for you to live with.

However, the next issue is the major deal breaker for me...

- the air quality!
In many of the older parts of Medowie, and even in the Estate I’m in (built in early 2000s), the blocks are larger and almost all have a wood fire heater, for heating the house. These things are not included (possibly banned?) in the newer houses in a couple of the newer 2015 onwards estates in the area. The burning of wood releases so many carcinogens and volitile organic compounds into the air that it really impacts air quality. In some Australian coucils, such as Canberra ACT, these have been banned from install in houses due to the health hazards.

As an asthmatic, I had been aware through previous use of and exposure to these fire heaters how deterimental to my respitory health these are , but had dismissed this as a non-issue when buying my house. It had a fire heater, which I knew I’d never use but figured the surrounding ones would be fine, as i’d be inside in Winter anyway. This is where I was also wrong.

Due to the larger blocks, residents of Medowie not only use these fires inside, but they also like to regulary burn all the green waste and fallen gum tree sticks in regular bon-fires, that it contributes to poor air quality from autumn to spring. I was also unlucky in that i have neighbours that like to use their fire heater non-stop between End March to October, only stopping when the weather gets back up to about 25 degrees on average during the day. Unfortunately being able to control neighbourhood use of these things is impossible without a wider ban, so this has been a area of sufferance.

It means that for about 8 months of the year, I have smoke infiltating my house. I certainly cant hang washing on the line. My infant son and I have constant respiratory infections, which has led to two hospital visits for him with bronchialitus. I have asthma attacks regularly. We can’t go outside and play much in winter due to poor air quality. The extent of this has recently been made evident with a dyson air purifier which confirms off-the-charts numbers of harmful particles if I open my door in winter. I need this running constantly. For me, the air quality issue is one that means after 6 years of perserving with it, I will have to move (probably leave Medowie entirely). If you are looking to buy in Medowie, and air quality is an issue for you, make sure you look at surrounding houses and whether they use wood heaters. Consider a newer estate, more expensive but better for your health.

Newer estates also have potentially better drainage (flooding can be an issue - our garage and shed flood), more footpaths for safe walking and parks for playing unlike the older areas in Medowie. The lack of footpaths really is another issue.

- Noise pollution
This is by far the least concerning of the issues mentioned (for me). Yes, there is a lot of Jet noise, plus commercial airliners. The jets are particularly loud on weekdays when conducting exercises. This can be loud and will also impact your decision to go outside - in conjunction with mosquitos and air quality. However, in my opinion, this is more tolerable and very loud jet activities only occurs for specific times (it’s not bad every single day). Not ideal but this is one i can live with it. It is also fun to see them fly past. The airport only operates from 6am til 10pm, so noise doesn’t impact sleep. The commercial noise depends on wind direction for take off/landing, so varies a lot as to the impact to residents.

Otherwise, the people, the shops, the community are all great. It is a growing area with great potential. I hope they get a public high school in the future, plus expand the commercial area at the shops. Unfortunately the issues noted are ones you aren’t neccessaily aware of until you live here. I suggest spending as much time in the area before buying, to get a sense of noise, air quality, mosquitos and if you can live with it. If you see flooding, water loggged areas, smoke, mosiquitos when inspecting houses, don’t ignore it like i did- it won’t improve. Just decide what is best for you and if you can live with it long term.

I will be sad to leave Medowie myself, but it us untenable due to issues raised. I trust this is a useful review in helping you decide what works for your situation.

Cheers.