General News
30 August, 2024
Spring firewood collection opens
Victorians can prepare for next winter by collecting free firewood for personal use from state forest collection areas from September 1 until November 30.
Domestic firewood in state forests is provided from fallen trees and forest management works to clean up after storms, to reduce bushfire risk and create safe access to forests for visitors and emergency workers.
Acting team leader values and assets planning, Tim Mayr said there are limits to the amount of firewood individuals and households can collect.
“People can collect up to two cubic metres per person per day with a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year as long as they collect from designated firewood collection areas during a firewood season,” he said.
Firewood collection from designated collection areas in the Loddon Mallee will be restricted to residents of the shires of Buloke, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Gannawarra, Hepburn, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Mitchell, Mount Alexander, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Strathbogie and Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton City councils and some postcodes in adjoining local government areas.
“Demand for firewood is always high, so we prioritise availability for local communities and those who depend on firewood as their primary source for heating and cooking,” Mr Mayr said.
“It’s important Victorians plan their firewood needs early as it can take at least eight to 12 months for firewood collected during the collection seasons to be dry enough to burn safely and effectively.”
It’s illegal to collect wood outside designated areas or to chop down or damage any dead or standing trees. It’s also an offence to take vehicles off formed roads to collect or load.
“Most people do the right thing by sticking to the collection limits and following the rules,” Mr Mayr said.
The Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria are targeting the illegal take of firewood from Victoria’s forests, parks, and reserves through Taskforce Ironbark.
Authorised Officers are patrolling public land and can issue fines of more than $750 to those caught breaking the rules, and serious offences have a maximum penalty of $9879 and/or one year in prison. Community members can help by reporting any suspected illegal firewood collection to 136 186.
Maps for this spring season’s designated collection areas will be live from midnight, Sunday, September 1, at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood.