General News
16 June, 2026
'Red Fleet' to be transferred to RFS
After years of campaigning, over 6000 Rural Fire Service (RFS) assets will be handed over to the NSW Rural Fire Service from local governments
By Molly Shannon
Over 6000 Rural Fire Service (RFS) assets will be handed over to the RFS from local governments in 2027 after years of lobbying from Local Government NSW (LGNSW).
Commonly referred to as the ‘Red Fleet’, the emergency vehicles have been considered property of NSW councils in legislation for 30 years despite the councils having no control over the use of the assets.
NSW government announced the change on June 12 as part of their investment to regional jobs and RFS fleet management, with the transfer of ownership and management of the vehicles taking place from July 1, 2027.
LGNSW and RFS are both relieved for the change, ensuring that management of red fleet vehicles is more reliable and consistent across the state.
“This is a landmark and momentous reform for the RFS and one of the most significant investments in our operational capability in recent years,” RFS commissioner, Trent Curtin, said. “This reform establishes a consistent and modern approach to fleet management across NSW.
“It strengthens safety, improves reliability and ensures our members are always ready to respond when communities need them most,” commissioner Curtin said.
For local governments, the transfer means more space in budgets which for many councils is a big win.
Country Mayors Association chairman, Rick Firman OAM, agrees that the change is positive and can now best reflect the modern realities of how the fleet operates.
“We have worked hard with the government to remove the RFS assets from our books to reflect the current reality that these assets are operated by the RFS, not councils,” CMA Chairman Firman said.
“They realise that we need strong councils in the bush, and this decision will go some way to assisting with our critical issue of financial sustainability.” He said.
Member for Barwon, Roy Butler said removing the red fleet from council balance sheets will provide much-needed financial relief to regional and rural councils. “It’s not fair that councils have been financially responsible for depreciating assets that they don’t control,” said Mr Butler. “The simple fact is that the RFS operates these vehicles, and it makes sense that the State takes ownership. This change finally aligns reality with accountability.
“This is a big win for councils in the bush that are already doing it tough,” he said. “It frees up council balance sheets, reduces unnecessary administrative pressure, and allows councils to focus on delivering the local services our communities rely on.”
In addition to transferring the red fleet, the state government are committing to invest $470 million into regional communities to help establish maintenance hubs and providers as well as safety upgrades. With hubs helping to deliver job and apprenticeship opportunities for regional communities.
