Problems with the building were first raised in 2014, when firefighters began to notice “visible cracking” of the walls.

Despite more than four years passing and two engineering reports finding the structure was not safe for use, union representative Leigh Hills said the issue was yet to be properly addressed.

The senior industrial officer for the Tasmanian branch of the United Firefighter Union of Australia said it had been causing issues for Launceston firefighters, who were forced to move their equipment into a “makeshift storage space”.

To make room for that equipment, the station’s snorkel truck had to be relocated to the Rocherlea station, which Mr Hills suggested would create “potential delays” when responding to incidents.

However, Tasmania Fire Service regional chief for the North Jeff Harper said the “Launceston Fire Brigade can still provide an appropriate snorkel response to the city of Launceston while the snorkel is housed at Rocherlea station”.

“The equipment is in the process of being relocated to Rocherlea station to allow the snorkel to be returned to Launceston station,” Mr Harper said.

As for the now vacant building in Launceston, it was also home to the firefighters’ gym, which was relocated to the station’s training room.

“The general feedback we have received from our members is frustration at not having a suitable fix or even a proposal for a fix,” Mr Hills said.

“The station is still functional, but it’s not ideal.

“There is also the potential risk, should the wall shift or fall, to the community and those people that park in the public car park behind the station.” 

But Mr Harper said the mesh had been professionally fitted to the building to ensure bricks do not fall.

“According to the engineers report the building is considered stable with the risk of a catastrophic failure rated as low,” he said.

Deputy Labor leader Michelle O’Byrne met with firefighters this week after her party announced last month it would invest $5.5 million in TFS, $4 million of which would be used to refurbish volunteer and metropolitan stations. 

Ms O’Byrne said upgrades would be negotiated with Tasmania Fire Service.

Emergency Services Minister Rene Hidding said the Liberals had invested more than $85 million in TFS and the union was simply making “outlandish claims” ahead of the election.

“Any suggestion the TFS is not adequately resourced is ridiculous,” he said.