'Unfair' RFS Fleet Burden on Councils to End After Government Move

Why the NSW government's Red Fleet takeover is a win for councils

NSW government will own Rural Fire Service assets from 2027, ending a costly 30-year policy. See how this change helps cash-strapped councils and ratepayers.

State Gov to assume ownership of Rural Fire Service fleet

Image: Local Government NSW. The NSW Government will take over ownership and responsibility for the Rural Fire Service’s (RFS) mobile assets from 1 July 2027, ending a long-standing arrangement that required councils to carry the assets on their balance sheets. Local Government NSW (LGNSW) welcomed the announcement, saying the change will remove a significant financial and administrative burden from councils, particularly in rural and regional a…