Minns Government boosts bush fire mitigation work with additional funding for Crown Lands Asset Protection Zone

The funding will help reduce bushfire risks to communities and infrastructure and support work on 300 sites to help protect communities from bushfires including upgrades and maintain strategic Asset Protection Zones on Crown land across NSW.

From Cobar in the West to Sydney's Northern Beaches, this work will help reduce bushfire risks to communities and infrastructure.

Regular maintenance such as mowing, pruning, and clearing debris is essential to keep Asset Protection Zones effective as clearing dry grass, leaf litter and other flammable vegetation deprives bushfires of the fuel they need to maintain their intensity.

The Rural Fire Service has provided the additional funding to Crown Lands through the Bush Fire Risk Mitigation and Resilience Support Program, adding to the NSW Government's existing $5.8 million investment to maintain APZs and other bushfire hazard reduction work on Crown land this financial year.

The funding forms part of a larger $13 million bushfire mitigation program for Crown land in 2025- 26, which also includes $6.2 million for upgrading and maintaining fire trails.

Inspection and maintenance of fire trails is undertaken across Crown land to ensure emergency access routes are clear, safe and operational for summer.

Crown Lands is responsible for maintaining about 2,120 kilometres of fire trails and 670 hectares of APZs across the state, providing essential access for firefighting crews and appliances.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

"The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in practical, on-the-ground bushfire mitigation works to improve our statewide emergency response to bushfires.

"Upgrades and maintenance to Asset Protection Zones and fire trails on Crown land ensure our firefighting crews have safe access and our communities are better prepared for the bushfire season ahead."

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

"Every bit of preparation we do now makes a real difference when the fire danger peaks. These works are about protecting people, homes and communities, giving our firefighters the best possible chance when conditions turn.

"Our emergency services do incredible work year-round to prepare for bushfire season. This funding helps them continue that work - making sure communities are as protected as they can be."