Locals can prepare for next winter by collecting free firewood for personal use from state forest collection areas from now 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.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Gippsland deputy chief fire officer, Sam Quigley, said firewood access is balanced with safety, forest values, biodiversity and cultural heritage.
“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 the firewood season,” he said.
“It’s important that Gippsland residents plan their firewood needs early as it can take at least 12 months for firewood to be dry enough to burn safely and effectively.
“Most people do the right thing by sticking to the collection limits, following the rules and burning seasoned wood.”
It is illegal to collect wood outside designated areas or to chop down or damage any dead or standing trees. It is also an offence to take vehicles off formed roads to collect or load.
Selling firewood collected from domestic collection areas or to use the wood in a commercial enterprise is also prohibited. Heavy vehicles (more than 4.5 tonnes, including trailer) must not be brought into or used in a domestic firewood collection area.
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.
The State Government provides targeted energy support and concessions for people on low incomes who buy firewood or need assistance with their energy costs. This includes tailored support via the Energy Assistance Program, a $250 rebate for eligible households from the Energy Bill Relief Fund, payments of between $55 and $619 per year for eligible households that rely on non-mains energy including firewood for heating and cooking, and up to $650 via the Non-Mains Utility Relief Grant for Victorians on low incomes who rely on firewood as their only source of fixed heating.
Maps for this spring season’s designated collection areas are now live.
