About our area
The Canobolas Zone is located in the Central West of NSW and combines the Rural Fire Districts of Blayney, Cabonne and Orange and commenced operations on the 1st July 2001 as the first Zone in NSW. The Cowra District entered into the Zone on the 1st June 2004.
The Zone is centred on the City of Orange and the major towns of Blayney, Cowra and Molong form the local government centres within the area. Towns and villages including Canowindra, Cudal, Manildra, Millthorpe, Spring Hill, Lucknow, Carcoar, Cumnock, Eugowra, Yeoval, Woodstock, Wyangala Dam, Darby's Falls, Morongla Creek, Noonbinna, Wattamondara, Billimari and Gooloogong as well as numerous smaller centres that are located throughout the Zone.
The total population of Canobolas Zone is approximately 72,300 residents.
All four Councils have had an increase in rural residential subdivision development that is changing the demographics of the traditional farming base. The rural population is reducing and an increasing number of people are employment off farm. This is making it increasingly difficult for some brigades to respond to incidents within a satisfactory timeframe to provide the highest level of protection to the community.
The Zone covers 10,636 square km including 310 square km. under the control of State Forests and 354 square km of National Park.
Our area is predominately undulating agricultural grasslands which are used mainly for grazing with the majority of cropping carried out in the in the Cowra District and in the western side of the Zone in the Cabonne area.
Our Vision
The Canobolas Zone of the NSW Rural Fire Service will be a leader in support and innovation to our volunteers who will provide the highest standard of excellence in the protection of our community from fires and other emergencies.
Our Mission
To provide a cohesive, enthusiastic Volunteer Rural Fire Service trained and equipped to meet the needs of the community in an efficient, effective and professional manner. Our leadership and management systems will equip our volunteers and brigades to be a leading and respected resource within the NSW Rural Fire Service.
