A decades-long burden on NSW councils is set to come to an end, with the NSW government introducing legislation to transfer ownership of the Rural Fire Service’s (RFS) “Red Fleet” from councils to the State.

Mayor Darcy Byrne, president of Local Government NSW, said the legislation was a major win for councils and the culmination of strong and determined advocacy by LGNSW and the local government sector.

“This is a significant step towards fixing a longstanding injustice. For almost 30 years, councils have been deemed to own thousands of RFS vehicles and plant despite having no control over how those assets are acquired, used or disposed of,” mayor Byrne said.

“The arrangement has placed an unfair burden on councils, particularly in rural and regional areas, forcing them to carry the financial and accounting responsibility for assets they do not control. This legislation finally aligns ownership with operational responsibility.”

The Rural Fires Amendment (Fire Fighting Fleet) Bill 2026 will formally vest the RFS’s mobile assets in the NSW government rather than local councils.

Mayor Byrne thanked Minister Ron Hoenig, Minister Jihad Dib, the Rural Fire Service, the NSW government and the Public Accounts Committee for working with councils to deliver this important reform.

Mayor Byrne said councils remained proud supporters of the RFS and looked forward to working with the state government on the transition.

“This reform provides clarity around responsibilities while ensuring communities continue to benefit from a strong partnership between councils and the RFS.”

The Bill is scheduled to be debated by Parliament in mid-October.