The NSW Government is investing in a fleet of new hazardous materials (HAZMAT) vessels to help limit oil, diesel and other pollutant spills in the state’s waterways, with 19 new vessels being rolled out to Fire and Rescue NSW units across the state, with one to be based in the Goonellabah Fire and Rescue building on Rous Road.

The new locally made vessels replace a 15-year-old fleet and offer larger and more stable platforms for crews to operate from.

The $1.58 million fleet is part of the NSW Government’s $18.6 million investment in FRNSW’s Fleet Replacement Program 2024-25.

Each vessel can tow and deploy absorbent and containment booms to limit hazardous spills. They also carry specialised equipment designed to contain and recover contaminants, reducing environmental harm during an incident.

An initial three vessels have been delivered to locations in Bathurst, Newcastle and Shellharbour, while additional units will be delivered to locations including Batemans Bay, Berkeley Vale, Broken Hill, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Eden, Goonellabah, Leeton, Lithgow, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Tweed Heads and Wagga Wagga over coming months.

The Lismore App understands the Lismore vessel will be deployed to Goonellabah around May 2025.

The new vessels are strategically located and can be deployed at any time, with response times of under two hours. They are also fitted with advanced emissions technology using the most efficient controls available to help limit their environmental impact.

They are believed to be bigger and with a more powerful engine so they can safely operate in flood waters.

Operators of the HAZMAT vessels undergo rigorous training, ensuring crews are prepared for complex incidents. Training is planned for teams in Berkeley Vale by the end of the year, with the remaining boats to be rolled out by June 2025. 

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “The upgraded vessels reinforce our commitment to protecting communities, and these new and improved vessels are not only safer for crew members but are also fitted out with advanced emissions control technologies to help reduce impacts on the environment.”

“Over coming months, these vessels will be positioned across the state in locations that enable rapid deployment, helping protect our waterways from hazardous materials and pollutants.”

Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW Jeremy Fewtrell said, “These upgrades will help strengthen FRNSW’s response as the combat agency for HAZMAT.”

“HAZMAT operators undergo rigorous training to meet the Australian Maritime Safety Authority standards, ensuring our crews are equipped with the best practices and tools to tackle complex maritime incidents.”

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin welcomes the NSW Government’s investment in renewing its fleet of HAZMAT vessels and looks forward to their strategic delivery to Goonellabah, Tweed Heads and Coffs Harbour.

“This means that our Northern Rivers region will be well covered in protecting our waterways from pollutant spills,” Ms Saffin said.