The Minns Labor Government is investing in Hunter jobs as the latest firefighting trucks roll off the assembly line, with a contract awarded to Varley Group to further boost the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) fleet.
More than $40 million is being invested in 2026-27 across a range of manufacturers to deliver Fire and Rescue NSW and RFS fire trucks including aerial trucks, support vehicles and tankers.
Around 60 of the new fire trucks will be assembled by Tomago-based manufacturer Varley Group, providing vital manufacturing roles for the region.
Work for the RFS fleet is set to commence following an order for 40 trucks, including 25 Category 7 tankers and 15 Category 1 tankers (one of the largest water carrying fire trucks in the RFS fleet).
Varley is also delivering 20 Fire and Rescue vehicles, including pumpers and bushfire tankers.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington joined emergency service representatives to visit Varley’s Tomago facility and inspect the latest fire trucks on the assembly line.
This includes new Fire and Rescue vehicles destined for Dungog and East Maitland, as well as other stations that will protect communities across the state for years to come.
Varley has worked closely with firefighting organisations to design and deliver specialist vehicles, built for Australian conditions.
Varley is one of a number of manufacturers used in the assembly of fire trucks. The work will strengthen firefighting fleets across the State and provide firefighters with modern, reliable vehicles to protect communities.
The latest investment builds on the delivery of more than 200 new appliances and 75 refurbished vehicles to RFS brigades in 2025-26.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“Manufacturing fire engines here in the Hunter supports local jobs and delivers the equipment our firefighters need to protect communities across NSW.
“We have some of the best firefighters in the world, whether they are attacking fires in built-up urban areas or are volunteers dealing with challenging bush fire conditions.
“It’s appropriate that we work with local manufacturers like the Varley Group to help refine vehicle design and performance, ensuring our firefighters have appliances suited to the demanding Australian conditions they face.”
Minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“The Hunter has never been a region that waits for opportunity to arrive – we build it, design it, mine it, grow it and deliver it.
“This is another win for one of our local manufacturers, and I am thrilled to see a local business manufacturing fire engines in the Hunter and delivering the essential equipment our region needs.
“This Government backs the Hunter and we’re investing in modern, reliable fire engines so our firefighters have the equipment they need to respond safely and effectively to emergencies.”
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:
“It’s great news that the future RFS firefighting fleet will be delivered by Varley Group, a Tomago-based manufacturer, right here in Port Stephens.
“This work will support 530 local jobs in the Hunter, helping local families and driving a big boost to the local economy.”
RFS Deputy Commissioner Kelly Qaundt AFSM said:
“Ensuring our volunteers have access to safe, reliable and capable firefighting vehicles remains a key priority for the RFS.
“Category 1 and Category 7 tankers play an important role in our response to bush and grass fires, and these new appliances will help brigades maintain their operational capability across NSW.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Operational and Strategic Services Executive Director Kelly McFadyen said:
“We work closely with Varley to design fire engines that meet the demands of firefighting across NSW.
“We select chassis suited to Australian conditions, then work with Varley to design and fit out fire engines with the specialist equipment and technology our firefighters need.
“When delivered, we also fit our vehicles with their own WiFi so satellite technology is in place to help our crews stay connected in areas with limited radio coverage.”
Varley Group CEO Vehicle Division Jeff Honniball said:
“Every fire truck we manufacture at Tomago has a clear purpose to support firefighters and help protect communities across NSW.
“These vehicles bring together the skill and experience of our local workforce with the operational knowledge of firefighting organisations.
“We are proud of our long-standing relationship with both FRNSW and the RFS, and of the contribution our people make to delivering modern, capable emergency vehicles here in the Hunter.”
