Acting Chief Minister
Acting Minister for Fire and Emergency Services
Joshua Burgoyne
Member for Braitling
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment
Andrew Mackay
Member for Goyder
Media Release Seven new firefighting vehicles strengthen volunteer bushfire capability
1 October 2026
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is investing $1.4 million in seven new specialised firefighting vehicles, boosting bushfire response capability and supporting the volunteers who protect Territory communities.
The new purpose-built grass fire units provide improved safety, reliability and access to remote terrain, helping volunteers respond faster and contain fires before they escalate.
The investment comes as an extended Top End bushfire season is forecast, with Bushfires NT volunteers already contributing more than 5,350 response hours and responding to over 500 incidents across the Territory this year.
Seven new specialised firefighting vehicles are being delivered to volunteer bushfire brigades across the Northern Territory, strengthening frontline response capabilities and supporting the volunteers who help protect Territory communities.
The $1.4 million investment replaces ageing fleet assets and delivers improved reliability and operational performance for volunteers responding to grass fires across some of Australia's most challenging environments.
The new vehicles are specialised Toyota LandCruiser Single Cab Workmates equipped with purpose-built firefighting units designed for rapid initial attack and rural fireground operations.
One vehicle has been delivered to Alice Springs, another to Edith Farms Volunteer Bushfire Brigade near Katherine, and the remaining five will be stationed in the Top End.
Member for Braitling and Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne said the new vehicle was a welcome boost for local volunteers and a valuable investment in strengthening bushfire response capability across Central Australia.
"Our volunteer firefighters do an incredible job protecting Alice Springs and the surrounding region. Whether it's responding to a grassfire on the outskirts of town or supporting operations in more remote areas, having reliable equipment makes a real difference on the ground," he said.
"Strengthening frontline capability helps protect our communities and natural landscapes. Our Government is proud to be backing the volunteers who work hard to keep Territorians safe and making sure they have the tools they need to do their job effectively."
The delivery comes as the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) forecasts an extended Top End bushfire season, with a delayed wet season and elevated fire danger continuing into November.
The outlook also identifies above-average fire potential across parts of Central Australia, including the Barkly, Tanami and Simpson Desert regions, with activity expected to increase from October through March.
So far in 2026, Bushfires NT has responded to more than 500 fire incidents across the Territory with volunteer firefighters contributing more than 5,350 hours of response time.
Acting Chief Minister Gerard Maley said the investment recognised the essential contribution made by Bushfires NT volunteers and the importance of delivering enhanced capability given the conditions.
"These new vehicles are an investment in those volunteers, giving them modern, reliable equipment that improves safety and helps them respond effectively to grass fires across the Territory."
"With an extended Top End season forecast and elevated fire potential across parts of Central Australia, ensuring our volunteers have reliable, fit-for-purpose equipment is essential."
Local Member Andrew Mackay welcomed the investment in rural response capability and emphasised the important role local volunteers play in protecting rural residents.
"Bushfires NT volunteers are people who live in the communities they protect. They're residents, landholders, business owners and community members who step up when their neighbours need help."
"This investment will help enhance their operational capability and arm them with the equipment they need to better protect rural residents' properties, assets and lives. "
Executive Director Bushfires NT Andrew Thomas ASM said the new vehicles would significantly strengthen frontline bushfire response capability.
"These grass fire units have been specifically selected and configured to meet the demands of Territory bushfire operations, with the mobility, off-road capability and rapid attack configuration needed to access difficult terrain, respond quickly and contain fires before they escalate into larger incidents."
"The new vehicles also incorporate important crew protection features, including burn-over protection systems and vehicle spray systems, which provide an additional layer of safety for volunteers operating in challenging fire conditions."
