Farmers are encouraged to nominate their vehicles to take part in a fresh trial now underway to help first responders fight bushfires.
As of Friday, private farm vehicles used for firefighting purposes known as Farm Fire Units – or Farm Fire Fighting Vehicles (FFFVs) – can be used unregistered under certain conditions, as part of a NSW Government trial in place until 31 March.
NSW Farmers Business Economics and Trade Committee Chair John Lowe said the scheme had come as welcome news to farmers across the state, who relied on Farm Fire Units to respond to bushfires quickly and effectively.
“Stopping fires as soon as we can is essential, and Farm Fire Units play a key role in these firefighting efforts in rural communities,” Mr Lowe said.
“These vehicles are often first on the scene to fight a fire, and so there’s no underestimating just how essential they are to first responders during bushfire season in NSW.
“Farmers need to be able to use these vehicles legally on the road when moving between farms and under the protection of third-party insurance, and we hope that through this trial, we can secure a permanent solution to make that possible.”
With bushfire season now well and truly underway, Mr Lowe urged farmers in NSW to nominate eligible vehicles to participate in the trial before it concluded on 31 March. “If you’ve got a vehicle that’s in a safe operating condition and has firefighting equipment permanently attached, then we strongly encourage you to nominate it for the trial as soon as possible,” Mr Lowe said.
To nominate a vehicle for the trial, submit the digital form and declare that your vehicle is in a safe operating condition at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/farm-fire-fighting-vehicle-nomination.