Common-Sense Reform Gives Farmers the Green Light to Fight Bushfires

The Minns Labor Government has announced a reform that will make it easier and safer for farmers and rural landholders to respond to bushfires near their properties.

From October 7, Farm Firefighting Vehicles (FFVs) will be eligible for a new conditional registration scheme, giving farmers the legal ability to use these vehicles on public roads when responding to emergencies.

Until now, most FFVs were limited to private property, leaving landholders in doubt about whether they could rush to help at a fire just down the road. This change means farmers won’t be restricted to only defending their own land – they can now support neighbours and their wider community in those critical early minutes of a blaze.

The scheme follows a trial of around 350 vehicles across NSW and introduces a low-cost conditional registration. Farmers will pay no more than $209 in the first year, with ongoing annual renewals dropping to as little as $75 depending on inspection requirements. Vehicles must carry securely mounted firefighting equipment, pass inspections every two years, and can only be used during emergencies, not for daily farm work.

Farmers east of the Newell Highway will be permitted to travel up to 50 kilometres from their property, while those west of the highway will have no distance limit.

NSW RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said the timing of the reform is crucial, with most of the state now officially in the Bush Fire Danger Period.

“Farmers know their land better than anyone, and when a fire starts nearby their quick action can make all the difference,” he said.

The change has also been welcomed by NSW Farmers, with President Xavier Martin saying the best response is always a local response.

Here in the Clarence Valley, the announcement will be particularly welcomed. Our region has faced devastating fire seasons in the past, from the Black Summer blazes of 2019–2020 that swept through Nymboida, Shark Creek and Ashby, to the Sandon fire in 2024 that once again reminded us how quickly conditions can turn. In each of these emergencies, many local landholders were among the first to act, often putting their own vehicles and equipment to use to protect stock, property and their neighbours.

This new scheme means when the next fire season strikes, Clarence Valley farmers will be able to act legally and with confidence. With so much of our community surrounded by bushland, cane fields and rural properties, giving farmers the tools and legal protection to reach a fire just kilometres away could make all the difference.

Farmers wanting to register their FFVs can apply through Service NSW online or at their nearest centre, with full eligibility details and support available via 13 77 88.