The Minns Labor Government 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.
The move follows recent 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.
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 balances 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.
The scheme will commence on 7 October.
Service NSW is ready to assist people with their applications with eligible customers able to apply and pay their registrations in-person at their nearest Service NSW Centre.
More details including eligibility requirements are available on the Service NSW website.
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
"During the 2019 2020 bushfires, I spent a lot of time with farmers, tourism operators and other members of regional and rural communities who were so badly impacted by that catastrophic bushfire season. I heard firsthand stories of the heroism and bravery shown by farmers standing side-by-side with our RFS and other emergency services to fight bushfires.
"I'm incredibly proud of the work that the Minns Labor government has been able to achieve in establishing a scheme which allows neighbours to help each other in the very worst of times.
"We know that in many regional areas, farmers are often the first on scene at bushfires. This change is about ensuring farmers and other road users are safe when they respond to bushfire emergencies."
Acting Minister for Emergency Services, Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"We thank people who contribute to the wellbeing of others and this change is about making sure our farmers and rural communities have the tools they need to act quickly and safely when bushfires breakout.
"Every minute counts during an emergency and enabling farmers to legally use these vehicles on nearby roads could help protect lives and properties.
"Farm Firefighting Vehicles are already playing an important role on the frontline. By introducing conditional registration, we're ensuring they can be used in a safe and regulated way, giving farmers confidence while protecting other road users.
"I encourage any farmer needing help to navigate the application process to contact our dedicated Service NSW team members on 13 77 88 or visit their nearest Service NSW Centre for more information about eligibility, documentation required or any other assistance."
NSW RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said:
"With most of the state entering the Bush Fire Danger Period today, this reform comes at a crucial time.
"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."
NSW Farmers President, Xavier Martin said:
"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"
