Investing in regional jobs and RFS fleet management

This 10-year commitment is about enhancing bush fire and emergency response to better protect communities in our regions by ensuring RFS trucks are safe and reliable.

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.

These hubs will be job and apprenticeship creators for regional communities, supporting local industry and strengthening the resilience of the RFS into the future.

The Minns Labor Government will also introduce legislation to transfer ownership of the State's 'red fleet' of more than 6,000 firefighting vehicles from councils to the RFS.

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. Ownership and management would be transferred from councils from 1 July 2027.

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 twelve months to support the transition and identify opportunities to assist with future maintenance.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib and Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig today joined Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty and RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin to visit the new Catherine Field Brigade fire station and inspect vehicles that will be part of the fleet transition.

More than $34.5 million has been invested to upgrade 28 rural fire brigade stations and Fire Control Centres this financial year, out of a wider $716.4 million investment in the RFS.

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."

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

"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.

"Before any decision was made, it was important to understand how these arrangements arose, the role local government had historically sought to retain, and the consequences of any change.

"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."

RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said:

"This is a landmark and momentous reform for the RFS and one of the most significant investments in our operational capability in recent years.

"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.

"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."

Local Government NSW President Darcy Byrne said:

"Having the red fleet off the balance sheets of local councils is a big win for local government.

"Many councils that are struggling to overcome financial constraints will be relieved to have this problem resolved.

"We look forward to working with the Government to ensure a successful transition over the next 12 months."

Country Mayors Association Chairman Rick Firman said:

"The Country Mayors Association NSW Board and our 89 Rural, Remote & Regional Council Members welcome the Government's decision.

"We have worked hard with the Government to remove the RFS assets from our books to reflect the current reality that these assets are operated by the RFS, not Councils.

"Minister Dib as well as the Treasurer have both always made time to meet with us to discuss this most important issue. They realise that we need strong Councils in the bush, and this decision will go some way to assisting with our critical issue of financial sustainability."