Lakes Entrance and East Gippsland residents can begin preparing for next winter with state forest domestic firewood collection season open now until November 30.
Firewood available for domestic use in regional state forests is sourced from naturally fallen trees and by-products of forest and fire management works, meaning available stock varies across local collection areas.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer for the Gippsland region, Quinton Pakan, urged local households relying on wood for heating and cooking to plan ahead and check local site maps early.
“Maps for this spring season’s designated collection areas will be online from Tuesday, September 1, at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood,” Mr Pakan said.
“It’s important Victorians plan their firewood needs early, as most wood takes longer than 12 months to dry.
“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 an open season.”
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) balances community access to firewood with forest safety, biodiversity protection, and cultural heritage values.
Mr Pakan reminded collectors that strict rules apply across public land and surrounding state forests. It remains illegal to cut down or damage any dead or standing trees, take wood from outside designated areas, or drive vehicles off formed roads to collect or load logs.
“Most people do the right thing by sticking to the collection limits and following the rules, but authorised officers actively patrol state forests and can issue on-the-spot fines of up to $814 to those caught breaking the firewood collection rules,” he warned.
More serious offences prosecuted in court carry maximum penalties of $10,175, up to 12 months’ imprisonment, and the potential seizure of chainsaws, trailers, vehicles, and equipment.
Residents can check local collection maps and safety information online.
Suspected illegal firewood collection can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For households facing supply or cost-of-living challenges, state government support is available through the Energy Assistance Program, the Non-Mains Energy Concession, and the Non-Mains Utility Relief Grant Scheme.
