INDYNR.COM
The management of more than 6000 fire trucks has changed with State Government legislation transferring ownership from local councils to the RFS.
The Rural Fires Amendment (Fire Fighting Fleet) Bill 2026 will transfer ownership of the
RFS’s ‘red fleet’ to the RFS from July 1 next year.
The government is spending $470 million on the RFS reforms.
More than $29 million will be used in the next two years to establish a network of up to eight regional maintenance hubs. An additional $106 million will be invested over four years for critical maintenance and safety upgrades.
Councils have welcomed this change.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said it was a historic reform.
“Our volunteer firefighters put themselves on the line to protect people, homes and communities,” Mr Dib said.
“They need vehicles that are fit for purpose and properly maintained.”
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said it is one of the most significant reforms to the RFS in recent years.
“It will strengthen our operational capability and help ensure communities across NSW continue to receive the highest level of emergency service,” Mr Curtin said.
Country Mayors Association chairman Rick Firman said the 89 member councils “are very much looking forward to the removal of the RFS ‘red fleet’ from councils’ books.”
“We’ve been advocating and lobbying for this for over 10 years,” he said.