NSW Government takes back full responsibility for RFS fleet

The NSW Government on Friday announced a Budget commitment to modernise management of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) fleet.

More than $29 million will be invested over two years to establish up to eight RFS regional maintenance hubs and providers, along with $106 million over four years for critical maintenance and safety upgrades. Legislation will also be introduced to transfer ownership of the state’s ‘red fleet’ of more than 6000 firefighting vehicles from councils to the RFS, effective from 1 July.

This reform will consolidate operational responsibility for the red fleet under the state government for the first time since the RFS was established almost 30 years ago.

The new arrangements will deliver consistent statewide standards and improved reliability and vehicle lifecycle management, better reflecting the current operating model while continuing the longstanding partnership with councils to support emergency services.

Councils will be engaged over the coming 12 months to support the transition and identify opportunities to assist with future maintenance.

“We are planning for the future and investing in our firefighting fleet and facilities to strengthen community safety and the resilience of our emergency response,” said Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib. “This reform is the next step in making our frontline services fit for the future, giving local communities and our RFS volunteers the support they need to respond to bushfires and other emergencies.”

“Local councils have made it clear that the existing arrangements no longer reflect the practical reality that the Rural Fire Service operates the fleet, while councils continue to carry ownership and accounting responsibilities,” said Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig. “The government has now accepted a pathway that aligns ownership with operational responsibility while recognising the continuing and important role councils play in bushfire prevention, hazard reduction and emergency management.

“Councils remain valued partners in protecting their communities, and this reform provides greater clarity about responsibilities while reducing an administrative burden that councils have consistently raised.”

“Our firefighters rely on these vehicles every day in some of the most demanding and unpredictable conditions, and it is essential we equip them with a fleet that is safe, reliable and fit for purpose,” said RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin. “This reform establishes, for the first time, a consistent and modern approach to fleet management across NSW. It strengthens safety, improves reliability and ensures our members are always ready to respond when communities need them most.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Daria Nipot