The NSW Government is encouraging farmers to take part in a trial that exempts vehicles used to fight fires from registration in a move that supports rural landholders this bushfire season. 

Under the trial, participants can nominate a Farm Fire Fighting Vehicle (FFFV), or a vehicle used for firefighting purposes, to respond to emergency bushfire incidents on public roads within 100km of their home.

FFFVs might be utility vehicles fitted out with hoses and other firefighting equipment. Typically, these vehicles are not used outside the farm, so registering them can seem unnecessary.

Many farmers and rural landholders play an important role in fighting fires on their own or neighbouring properties, especially before emergency services arrive.

The legal use of FFFVs on public roads to access fire-impacted areas is an important change ahead of the hottest months of the year and is something rural advocates have been calling for.

The second trial will run from 13 December 2024 to 31 March 2025 and will enable more farmers to test the arrangement after an initial trial was run between December 2023 and March this year. 

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.

More 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  https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/vehicle-registration/unregistered-vehicles/when-you-can-drive-an-unregistered-vehicle#toc-farm-fire-fighting-vehicle-trial

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “If a fire breaks out on a private property, we want landholders to have options at their disposal to help stop it spreading and this trial is a commonsense solution to help fight fires.” 

“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.”

“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 our regional communities face, and farmers play a key role in protecting their, and local, properties in times of crisis.”

“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.”