The NSW Government says it is delivering common sense reform to support farmers during the bushfire season, allowing farmers and rural landholders to register and use Farm Firefighting Vehicles (FFVs) to respond to emergency bushfires near their property.

“With most of the state entering the Bush Fire Danger Period today, this reform comes at a crucial time," NSW RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said.

“Farmers know their land better than anyone, and when a fire starts nearby their quick action can make all the difference.

“This reform will continue the strong relationship between landholders and the RFS, leveraging all available resources and the expertise and dedication of farmers in safeguarding our communities.”

Lachlan RFS farmer and fire fighter Craig Tyack told the Western Plains this would be a big help.

‘’Farmers are usually first on the scene and they can douse spot fires before the big RFS trucks arrive.

‘’It is commonsense.’’

The move follows December trials of around 350 FFVs, which supported their use in emergencies and proposed a conditional registration scheme.

FFVs are often used on private property and are not typically registered for use on public roads.

The legal use of these vehicles on public roads in emergency situations is an important reform which will allow farmers and rural landholders to attend nearby fires, not just those on their own property.

Strings attached

The new scheme offers a lower cost conditional registration, which includes inspection for a light vehicle and the issuing of a licence plate expected to be a maximum of $209.

The cost for conditional registration will drop after the first year with the cost, including an inspection estimated at $126 (or only $75 when inspection not required), subject to CPI and CTP increases.

Conditional registration hopes to balance the practical need for FFVs to be available as an emergency resource while ensuring vehicle safety standards on NSW roads remain high.

Under the scheme, vehicles will be subject to the following requirements:

• Vehicle inspections as per the Authorised Inspection Scheme to establish registration, with inspection required every second year and registration to be renewed annually.

• Firefighting equipment must be permanently and securely attached to the vehicle.

• Vehicles must only be used for emergencies, not regular operations.

• May use roads up to 50km away from garaging address east of the Newell Highway, with no distance limit from garaging addresses west of the Newell Highway.

NSW Farmers President, Xavier Martin welcomed the announcement.

“Farmers must have the tools they need to safely and effectively fight fires, and it’s good to see the Minns Government recognise that.”

“NSW Farmers has long been calling for a new restricted use conditional vehicle registration category for farm firefighting units - so they can be used legally to get to fires and support the emergency response.

“The best response is a local response to the get bushfires under control as quickly as possible – and we look forward to working with the NSW Government to ensure this registration scheme is fit for-purpose.”

The scheme commenced yesterday on 7 October.