Ten new firefighting vehicles are being delivered to NSW Rural Fire Service brigades across the Lower Hunter, strengthening emergency response capabilities ahead of the bush fire season.
More than $4.1 million worth of firefighting vehicles will be officially handed over to NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigades across the Lower Hunter District.
Volunteers and local representatives will join volunteers at the Lower Hunter Fire Control Centre in East Maitland today to officially hand over ten new firefighting vehicles.
The vehicles will be handed over to the Gresford, Greta, Fingal Bay, Seaham, Thornton, Williamtown-Salt Ash, Bolwarra-Largs, Lochinvar and Medowie Brigades.
The new fleet includes bulk water tankers capable of carrying up to 11,000 litres of water, frontline bush fire tankers carrying around 3,500 litres, smaller vehicles designed to access more challenging terrain, and specialist firefighting trucks that support structure fires and a range of other incidents.
These new vehicles will play an important role protecting communities and supporting brigades who respond to bush and grass fires, structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, storms and other emergencies.
The vehicles are a timely investment as the NSW Rural Fire Service continues preparations for the bush fire season.
The Minns Labor Government is backing regional communities into the future with a $470 million investment over ten years to modernise management of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) fleet.
Legislation will be introduced to transfer ownership of the State’s ‘red fleet’ of more than 6,000 firefighting vehicles from councils to the RFS from 1 July 2027.
Residents can get information about preparing their properties and bush fire survival plan via NSW Rural Fire Service Plan and Prepare.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“The Rural Fire Service does extraordinary work and these vehicles will ensure they have modern and fit-for-purpose equipment to protect our community when we need it most.
“Our volunteers put service above self, giving their time, skills and sacrificing their own personal safety to protect others. They ask for little in return and this investment is about giving them the support and equipment to continue this important work.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“Every new vehicle delivered to a brigade is an investment in the safety and resilience of local communities and recognises the incredible contribution our volunteers make every day.
“These ten new fire-fighting vehicles will strengthen emergency response across the Lower Hunter and help ensure local brigades are well equipped for the summer.”
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:
“Our RFS volunteers do an incredible job protecting our communities, and these new vehicles will give them the equipment they need to respond safely and effectively.
“This investment is an important boost for our local brigades and will help keep communities across the Lower Hunter safe, especially as we prepare for the bush fire season.”
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:
“I’m incredibly grateful to our brigade volunteers who selflessly step up to protect lives and livelihoods; the Minns Labor Government is pleased to be backing them with the resources they need to defend our communities.”
Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:
“Every new vehicle strengthens our brigades and ensures our volunteers have modern, fit-for-purpose equipment they need to protect lives and property.”
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said:
“Our volunteers give their time, skills and experience to support their communities, and it’s important they have the resources they need to carry out that work safely and effectively.
“It is a good reminder of the importance of the community to also get ready for the bush fire season, by preparing their homes and discussing their bush fire survival plan.”
