About
Mission statement
"The Southern Rural Fire Authority has been formed to allow the participants to enhance effective fire prevention, protection, suppression and other fire control measures within the respective areas at risk from uncontrolled fires".
The Southern Rural Fire Authority was formed on 7 August 2003 and amalgamated the rural fire responsibilities of Southland District Council, Gore District Council, Invercargill City Council, Southern Plantations Rural Fire Authority and Department of Conservation Southland Conservancy.
In total, about 3.5 million hectares or one eighth of the land area of NZ is within the Southern Rural Fire Authority.
Southern Rural Fire Authority is governed by a committee of representatives from the three councils, DOC, forest organisations and NZ Fire Service. Des Minehan is the chairman.
The District has eight Volunteer Rural Fire Forces: Athol, Garston, Blackmount, Waikawa, Hedgehope, Beaumont, Drummond and Milford Sound. Agreements are also in place to use the NZ Fire Service and other fire suppression providers if required, including aerial fire fighting capacity through the use of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
Refer to the current Statement of Intent for current projects.
All participants agree that the final result of the amalgamation should:
- Provide an effective, efficient and focused Rural Fire Authority
- Ensure there is no duplication of resources and administrative functions
- Provide an improved service to the public
- Resolve cross boundary issues between authorities
- Result in operational improvements
- Provide increased cost efficiencies for all organisations