MidCoast Council Mayor Claire Pontin has welcomed the recent decision by the State Government to take back financial ownership of the Rural Fire Service assets otherwise known as ‘the Red Fleet’.
The transfer of ownership of around 150 RFS vehicles from the MidCoast region alone will take place on 1 July 2027, following years of advocacy from LGNSW, the Country Mayors’ Association and Mayors across rural and regional NSW, including Mayor Pontin.
“For years Councils have had to carry the financial burden of this and had to account for and depreciate these assets which they have no operational control over,” she explained.
“For the MidCoast region that 150 vehicles is a significant number and has had an impact on our bottom line.
“I have been outspoken about the issue in the past, so I am extremely pleased with the announcement made last week.
“Cost shifting by the NSW Government has become an issue for all NSW Councils, but this is finally a step in the right direction.”
Cr Pontin thanked the Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, the Treasurer, the Hon Daniel Mookhey MP, the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Ron Hoenig MP and the NSW Government for the decision.
