Farm Fire Fighting Vehicles in New South Wales will not need to be registered under a new trial that will help support farmers this bushfire season
The New South Wales government is encouraging farmers to take part in a trial that exempts vehicles used to fight fires from registration.
As part of the trial, participants can nominate a Farm Fire Fighting Vehicle (FFFV), or a vehicle used for firefighting purposes, to respond to emergency bush fire incidents on public roads within 100km of their home.
FFFVs can be utility vehicles fitted out with hoses and other firefighting equipment. The state government says these vehicles aren’t typically used outside the farm, so registering them can seem unnecessary.
Many farmers and rural landholders with FFFVs can play an important role fighting fire on their own or neighbouring properties, especially before emergency services arrive.
“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,” minister for regional transport and roads Jenny Aitchison says.
“The ability to legally use dedicated farm fire fighting vehicles and trailers is a key aspect of this.”
Legal use of FFFVs on public roads to access fire-impacted areas is a change that rural advocates have been calling for, according to the state government.
An initial trial was run between December 2023 and March 2024, with the second trial now open and running until March 31, 2025.
Transport for NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Farmers are working together to continue to examine ways to introduce a permanent scheme.