MEMBER for Lismore Janelle Saffin has welcomed the Minns Government $470 million investment to modernise management of the NSW Rural Fire Service Fleet.
Ms Saffin said the Government’s 10-year commitment to be included in the 2026-27 NSW Budget will support the long-awaited transfer of ownership of the RFS ‘red fleet’ from councils to the Rural Fire Service.
More than 29 million will be invested over two years to establish up to eight RFS regional maintenance hubs along with $106 million over four years for critical maintenance.
“As local MP I have advocated on behalf of my five local coucils – Tenterfield, Kyogle, Lismore, Tweed and Byron shire- to have responsibility for RFS fleet assets handed back to the RFS.
“For decades councils have been frustrated about being the legal owners of the red fleet’assets that they have no control over.
“Last year the NSW Public Accounts Committee conducted an inquiry into RFS assets, premises and funding and recommended legislative changes so that councils would no longer pay for maintenance and repair of the red fleet assets.
“The Minns Government will introduce legislation to transfer ownership of state’s red fleet of more than 6,000 vehicles from councils to the RFS from 1 July 2027.
“The new arrangements will deliver consistent standards across the state and improved reliability and lifecycle management of vehicles.
“Over the next 12 months councils will be engaged to support the transition and identify opportunities to assist with future maintenance.
“Councils have been lobbying for years to have these assets removed from their books and they have welcomed the news.
“Our Councils will continue to play an important role in bushfire prevention, hazard reductions and emergency management, but without the administrative and financial burden of the RFS asset ownership,” Ms Saffin said.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“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.
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 bush fires and other emergencies.
Our focus on the state’s firefighting capability reflects our deep respect for the people who step up when it matters most.
“By working with local government to establish new fleet maintenance hubs and services we are also supporting local jobs and industry and ensuring communities benefit from this investment.”
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said this a landmark reform for the RFS and one of the most significant investments in operational capability in recent years.
