The inquiry, which was launched early last year, looked into the laws and funding rules that currently govern the relationship between local councils and the RFS.
For many councils, the division of responsibility has felt unequal, as councils hold financial and administrative responsibility for services controlled by the RFS.
Murray River Council Mayor John Harvie said the current arrangements between the RFS and local governments would ultimately impact ratepayers negatively.
“Our council owns and maintains over 20 RFS fire stations within our local government area,” he said.
“Despite carrying these assets on our books and being responsible for their upkeep, we have no operational control over them.
“Furthermore, the (NSW) government wants councils to account for the vehicles and equipment known as the ‘Red Fleet’; carrying them on our books and wearing the depreciation.
“This arrangement has come to a head in recent years, as the depreciation of RFS equipment and infrastructure significantly impacts council’s financial reporting and sustainability, and ultimately the ratepayer.”
The inquiry noted that the existing legislation did not align with the current operational reality of the RFS, which is the lead agency in emergency responses, while council plays a supporting role.
If the 14 recommendations are accepted by the NSW Government, it could mean the responsibility for maintaining, repairing or financially reporting on Red Fleet assets could shift to the RFS.
As local councils currently shoulder up to 72 per cent of maintenance costs for Red Fleet assets and about a third of the upkeep costs for stations, the financial relief is a welcome possibility for them.
Other recommendations also included a review of the Rural Fires Act 1997, clarifying the responsibilities around fire stations and a fairer funding model for local councils.
Cr Harvie said he hoped all the recommendations put forth in the report were taken on board by the government.
“Alongside the Country Mayors Association and councils across NSW, we have long advocated for a fairer model,” he said.
“We commend the inquiry committee for recognising the issues, and we hope the NSW Government will adopt all 14 recommendations in full to ensure a more equitable and sustainable system that benefits local government, the RFS and the communities we serve.”
The inquiry report was presented to the government on May 27.
A response from the government is expected before November 27.
To read the full inquiry report, visit tinyurl.com/46zzvfk7
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