Firewood collection season opens

“Collection limits are in place to prevent stockpiling of larger volumes of firewood, which is important to ensure there’s enough firewood on public land for people who rely on it to stay warm over winter. Collected firewood cannot be sold.

“Be sure to check local weather and forest conditions before heading out to make sure it’s safe before collecting firewood in your area.”

Collection limits include taking a maximum of two cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.

The felling of trees and cutting downed hollow logs for firewood is also prohibited.

The Conservation Regulator, FFMVic and Parks Victoria conduct routine, random and targeted patrols of forest areas, and Authorised Officers issue on-the-spot fines for firewood offences, with an option to take people to court for major offences.

Visitors from the Hume region and other parts of Victoria will no longer be able to access domestic firewood from state forests in Central Victoria, with new firewood restrictions taking effect on March 1.

Only residents of specific Central Victorian shires will be able to collect domestic firewood from Central Victorian designated firewood collection areas. These shires include Mitchell, Strathbogie, and Greater Shepparton.

“These changes aim to ensure that Central Victorian communities gain greater access to their available, local firewood into the future.” Mr Kennedy said.

An interactive map showing designated collection areas is available at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood.

Any information the community may have about the illegal removal of firewood for sale can be reported to DELWP on 136 186.

Access to firewood collection areas may be disrupted at short notice due to planned burning or other fuel management operations, more information can be found at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/.