Transport for NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service have partnered to launch a trial registration exemption for farmers to help rural firefighting efforts this bushfire season.
Farmers can play a key role in protecting their own or neighbouring properties in the event of a bush or a grass fire, particularly before emergency response personnel are able to attend the fire.
Now, during a trial period that ends on 31 March, the NSW Government is allowing farmers to drive vehicles they use for firefighting purposes unregistered within a 100km radius of their home.
Farm Fire Fighting Vehicles (FFFVs) tend to be vehicles used to move around farm properties and not on public roads, and therefore may not be registered.
The legal use of these vehicles on public roads to attend nearby fires is an important change during the final few months of the bushfire season, and is something many farmers and rural advocates have been calling for.
The RFS has recognised the value of these vehicles and the important role farmers play in firefighting efforts in rural areas.
As well as staying within a 100km radius of the storage address, the vehicle must be maintained in a safe operating condition and have fire-fighting equipment permanently attached to be eligible for the exemption.
The trial will run until 31 March 2024 and will inform future options for FFFVs.
.
Farmers can also contact
