Farmers are often the first to respond to fires threatening the community, using their own equipment and knowledge of the land.
In recognition of this vital role the NSW Government has announced a new conditional registration scheme that will allow farm firefighting vehicles to legally operate on public roads during bushfire emergencies.
NSW RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin welcomed the reform, noting its timely introduction.
"Farmers know their land better than anyone, and when a fire starts nearby their quick action can make all the difference," he said.
The reform hopes to encourage farmers to respond to nearby bushfires not only on their own properties but surrounding properties by giving them access to public roads within a defined radius.
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This follows recent successful trials involving around 350 farm firefighting vehicles and comes as much of the state enters the bush fire danger period.
Farm firefighting vehicles are often used on private property and are not typically registered for use of public roads.
Under the scheme, farm firefighting vehicles will be eligible for a lower-cost conditional registration, with the first-year cost capped at $209.
In subsequent years the cost could drop to as low as $75.
Vehicles must meet safety standards including secure installation of firefighting equipment and will be limited to emergency use only.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the reform was born out of firsthand experiences during the devastating 2019-2020 bushfire season.
"We know that in many regional areas, farmers are often the first on scene at bushfires. This change is about ensuring farmers and other road users are safe when they respond to bushfire emergencies," she said.
The scheme allows farm firefighting vehicles to operate up to 50km from the home base east of the Newell Highway with no distance limit for those west of it.
NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin also praised the move, calling it a long-overdue recognition of the role farmers play in emergency response.
"The best response is a local response to the get bushfires under control as quickly as possible - and we look forward to working with the NSW Government to ensure this registration scheme is fit-for-purpose," Mr Martin added.
The scheme commenced on 7 October with eligible landholders able to apply and pay their registrations in person at their nearest Service NSW Centre.
More details including eligibility requirements are available on the Service NSW website.
