FARMERS across the district are encouraged to take part in a trial that exempts vehicles used to fight fires from registration, in a move that supports rural landholders during bush fire season.

Under a NSW Government trial in place until March 31, private farm vehicles used for firefighting purposes known as Farm Fire Units – or Farm Fire Fighting Vehicles (FFFVs) – can be used unregistered under certain conditions.

NSW Farmers Business Economics and Trade Committee Chair John Lowe said the catastrophic damage caused by bushfires overseas was a reminder of the importance of having key firefighting tools available in emergency situations.

“These out of season bushfires are burning out of control in the United States, and they’re nothing if not a stark reminder of how fires here in NSW can get out of hand if we don’t have the right tools available locally,” Mr Lowe said.

“Farm Fire Units play a key role in firefighting efforts in our rural communities, and a trial of these units will be key to ensuring we can find a permanent pathway to using these units legally and under the protection of third-party insurance.

“Stopping fires as quickly as we can is critical, and Farm Fire Units have been a proven cornerstone to fast bushfire control, year in, year out on-farm.”

As the state’s bushfire season continued, Mr Lowe urged farmers in NSW to nominate eligible vehicles to participate in the trial and support efforts to secure a more permanent solution for the use of the vehicles.

“If you’ve got a vehicle that’s in a safe operating condition and has firefighting equipment permanently attached, then we strongly encourage you to nominate it for the trial as soon as possible,” Mr Lowe said.

“Farmers deserve to have as many tools as possible in the toolbox to fight fires safely and effectively, and this trial will take us one step closer to ensuring that.

“Preventing the devastation we’ve seen overseas and in our own country, in years not long past, is something we want to avoid at all costs.”

As the second trial begins, Transport for NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Farmers are working together to continue to examine ways to introduce a permanent scheme.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said he wants landholders to have options at their disposal.

“Landholders play an important role in fighting bush and grass fires in rural areas and often work alongside Rural Fire Service volunteers and other emergency responders to keep fires at bay,” Mr Dib said.

“This change is something the RFS and advocacy groups such as NSW Farmers have been calling for, and I encourage more farmers to trial it, so we have the information we need to find a longer-term solution.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said bush fire season is one of the challenges regional communities face.

“Farmers play a key role in protecting their, and local, properties in times of crisis,” she said.

“A fire can break out at any time and sometimes help can be far away – so we know it’s critical that neighbours are able to pitch in and help. The ability to legally use dedicated farm fire fighting vehicles and trailers is a key aspect of this.

“The NSW Government is determined to find ways to equip our regional farmers with the tools they need to take on this task but remain safe.

“To help ensure our farmers can help and respond when needed while still maintaining the safety of all vehicles on our roads, we are carrying out a second trial this fire season while Transport for NSW and key stakeholders continue to examine ways to establish a permanent scheme that does not compromise road safety,” she said.

Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers said landowners with these vehicles and equipment play a critical role as initial responders to fires, which can destroy millions of dollars’ worth of crops and machinery.

“The RFS is part of every rural community and this is an opportunity to empower farmers and strengthen the collaboration between local brigades and their farming colleagues to make our communities safer,” Mr Rogers said.

Farmers are encouraged to trial this arrangement so more feedback can be obtained to inform future options. To find out more details about the trial and nominate a Farm Fire Fighting Vehicle for the trial, farmers can visit  Farm Fire Fighting Vehicle .

Media Release