Under the provisions of the Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990, government has a responsibility to protect persons, property and the environment from fire emergencies. The government has established within the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) two distinct models to deliver this service; the paid staff urban ‘red truck’ service model, to protect major cities and towns across the State and the volunteer rural fire ‘yellow truck’ service model, to protect rural areas and minor townships and villages. Rural fire services are responsible for protecting approximately 17 per cent of the population and 93 per cent of the land area of Queensland.

The objective of this audit was to determine whether suitable systems are operating to ensure the efficient and effective management of rural fire brigades. The audit also considered whether adequate systems are in place to ensure any increased risk of fire as a result of climate change and urban encroachment patterns is addressed.