The NSW government will allow farmers to drive unregistered vehicles they use for firefighting purposes within a 100km radius of their home
Transport for NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) have partnered to launch a trial registration exemption for farmers to help rural firefighting efforts.
The trial, ending on March 31, will allow farmers to protect their own and neighbouring properties in the event of a bush or grass fire, especially before emergency services arrive to the scene.
“Landholders in rural areas can play a key firefighting role and this trial allows us to test an arrangement that rural advocates have been calling for,” NSW emergency services minister Jihad Dib says.
“It is expected this exemption will make it easier for landholders to fight fires on or near their properties.”
Farmers who own farm fire fighting vehicles (FFFVs) will now be able to drive on public roads, within a 100km radius of their home, even if the vehicle is not registered.
Many rural advocates and farmers have been calling for the legal use of these vehicles on public roads to attend nearby fires, the NSW government says.
“This will lead to an even more integrated relationship between farmers and the RFS, leveraging all available resources and the expertise and dedication of farmers in safeguarding our communities,” RFS commissioner Rob Rogers says.
NSW Farmers Rural Affairs committee member Garry Grant also says he sees this as an opportunity to further develop the relationship between farmers and the RFS, whilst being able easier fight fires.
“Stopping fires as soon as we can to minimise damage and loss is the ultimate goal,” he says.
In order to be eligible for this exemption, the vehicle must be maintained in a safe operating condition and have firefighting equipment permanently attached.
Informing future options for FFFVs, this trial will run until March 31.
To nominate a farm fire fighting vehicle for the trial, submit the completed Farm Fire Fighting Vehicle nomination form and include two photographs.
One photograph should be taken from the front, which includes the driver’s side of the vehicle and one from the rear, which includes the passenger side of the vehicle.
