New fire trucks for the Northern Rivers

NEW firefighting tankers, operational technology and equipment have arrived in the Lismore electorate in preparation for the next bushfire season.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said new trucks had been delivered to Bonalbo, Jiggi Valley and Tuncester over the past 12 months.

“I had the chance to inspect the new Tuncester appliance soon after it arrived, and it is an enormous improvement on the old fire truck, with the latest equipment and an air-conditioned cabin, which the local fire crew was most excited about,” Saffin said.

“These new trucks are part of the Minns Government’s rollout of 290 new and refurbished vehicles across the state this financial year.

Following the NSW Bushfire Inquiry and other recommendations to modernise the RFS fleet, the trucks are equipped with Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) to enhance crews’ communication, connectivity, and safety in remote and disaster-impacted areas.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said the trucks were more than just vehicles.

“They’re vital tools protecting lives, supporting our firefighters and strengthening community safety across NSW,” Minns said.

“We are providing our firefighters and the communities they protect with the best possible equipment and technology.

“In recent months, we have seen the best of our emergency volunteers who have come out in force to support communities across NSW, and the investment in this new equipment is vital.”

NSW RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said the rollout was part of a long-term strategic program to future-proof the fleet.

“These vehicles feature the latest in crew protection systems, improved safety design and communications equipment, helping our crews to operate in the toughest conditions,” Curtin said.

“This work will help make sure our volunteers will come home safely after fighting bushfires across the state.”

Beginning August 1 for some parts of the Northern Rivers, the bushfire season officially starts across NSW on October 1.