Reforms pass Parliament, paving the way for a stronger firefighting fleet

The passage of the Rural Fires Amendment (Fire Fighting Fleet) Bill 2026 will enable ownership of the RFS's 'red fleet' to transfer from local councils to the RFS from 1 July 2027, aligning responsibility for the vehicles with the service that operates them.

The reform is backed by a $470 million investment over 10 years to improve fleet reliability, strengthen safety and ensure firefighters have the vehicles and equipment they need to respond to bushfires and other emergencies.

More than $29 million will be invested over two years to establish a network of up to eight regional maintenance hubs, supporting local jobs, apprenticeships and regional industry.

A further $106 million will be invested over four years in critical maintenance and safety upgrades across the state.

This reform has been supported by councils who have long advocated for this change. The transition will be managed in partnership with local government, recognising their longstanding contribution to the RFS and the important role they continue to play in bushfire prevention, hazard reduction and emergency management.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

"Really proud to deliver this historic reform that will ensure our RFS fleet is safe, reliable and ready to go when communities need it.

"Our volunteer firefighters put themselves on the line to protect people, homes and communities. They need vehicles that are fit for purpose and properly maintained.

"We're backing this reform with a $470 million investment that will strengthen our firefighting capability and support regional jobs."

RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said:

"This is one of the most significant reforms to the RFS in recent years.

"Bringing fleet ownership and management together will support a more consistent approach to maintaining and replacing the vehicles our members rely on every day.

"It will strengthen our operational capability and help ensure communities across NSW continue to receive the highest level of emergency service."

Local Government NSW President Darcy Byrne said:

"This is a great outcome for councils and communities across New South Wales after years of persistent advocacy by LGNSW and our individual councils. On behalf of councils particularly in rural, regional and outer metro areas with an RFS presence, I thank the NSW Government for listening to our sector and acting on this sensible reform.

"Councils strongly support the incredible work of the RFS and recognise it is a world leading firefighting service. We look forward to working with the Government over the next 12 months to ensure a successful transition, including appropriate consideration of maintenance contracts."

Country Mayors Association Chairman Rick Firman said:

"The CMA NSW Board and our 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 now, and welcome this finally coming to a resolution.

"It is appropriate that the RFS who control the assets actually own them. CMA warmly thanks Minister Jihad Dib, Minister Ron Hoenig, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and all others involved with making this happen."

United Services Union General Secretary Graeme Kelly said:

"This is welcome news for councils who have long advocated for the NSW Rural Fire Service to take ownership of its firefighting fleet.

"Having the 'red fleet' off the balance sheets of local councils is a big win for local government and a welcome boost for their budgets."

RFSA President Scott Campbell said:

"The RFSA welcomes the reform. We have advocated for a fair and consistent approach to maintenance.

"RFS appliances are in their communities dealing with incidents or preparing for the upcoming season on a daily basis. The transfer of the firefighting fleet from council to state government is a major reform that will ensure consistency across the state in relation to servicing, tyre replacement programs, and long term in lowering the age of the fleet.

"Our volunteers deserve a consistent, measurable approach to keeping the trucks on the road. We thank councils for their work to date and congratulate Minister Dib for collaborating with councils to ensure a smooth transition."