The NSW government has announced a $470 million investment in the 2026-27 NSW Budget to modernise management of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) fleet. Included in that is more than $29 million, over two years, to establish eight regional maintenance hubs and providers, along with $106 million over four years for critical maintenance and safety upgrades. This follows recent legislation to transfer ownership of the state’s ‘red fleet’ as it is known, of more than 6,000 firefighting vehicles from councils to the RFS for the first time since the creation of the RFS almost 30 years ago. Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, is staking a claim for one of the eight new maintenance hubs, making the case directly to the Minister for the major regional infrastructure investment. Ms Cooke said the electorate's extensive RFS footprint and strategic location make it an ideal choice for one of the facilities. "The Cootamundra electorate is home to around 170 Rural Fire Service brigades across the Riverina Zone, South-West Slopes Zone, Bland Temora Zone and MIA District, making it one of the strongest RFS regions in the State," Ms Cooke said. "With such a significant concentration of volunteers, vehicles and equipment, there is a strong case for locating one of these maintenance hubs in our region.” "A facility based in the Cootamundra electorate would reduce the distance fire trucks and equipment need to travel for servicing and repairs, minimise downtime and help ensure critical assets are available when communities need them most." The eight hubs are part of a broader reform package that will have been triggered by the transfer of ownership and management of the State's RFS vehicle fleet from councils to the NSW government from July 2027. Ms Cooke said the transition presents an opportunity to position maintenance facilities where they will deliver the greatest operational benefit. "As responsibility for the fleet moves to the state, it makes sense to invest in maintenance infrastructure close to the communities that rely the most on these vehicles," she said. "Locating a hub in the Cootamundra electorate would strengthen support for brigades across southern and central inland New South Wales, while also creating jobs and generating economic activity in regional communities.” "The NSW government has recognised these hubs can improve emergency preparedness while supporting regional economic development. "I firmly believe the Cootamundra electorate can deliver both outcomes, and I will be advocating strongly for our region to secure one of these important facilities." The government said that the new arrangements will deliver consistent statewide standards and improved reliability and vehicle lifecycle management, better reflecting the current operating model while continuing the longstanding partnership with councils to support emergency services. RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said this was a landmark and momentous reform for the RFS and one of the most significant investments in the operational capability in recent years. “Our firefighters rely on these vehicles every day in some of the most demanding and unpredictable conditions, and it is essential we equip them with a fleet that is safe, reliable and fit for purpose,” Mr Curtin said. “This reform establishes, for the first time, a consistent and modern approach to fleet management across NSW. “It strengthens safety, improves reliability and ensures our members are always ready to respond when communities need them most.” The hubs are expected to be job and apprenticeship creators for regional communities, supporting local industry and strengthening the resilience of the RFS into the future.
