General News
29 August, 2022
Spring firewood collection season to start this Thursday
The spring firewood collection season will begin this Thursday, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) has confirmed. The spring collection season kicks off this Thursday and will run until the end of November. Forest Fire Management Victori...
The spring firewood collection season will begin this Thursday, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) has confirmed.
The spring collection season kicks off this Thursday and will run until the end of November.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) team leader values and assets planning Amy Groch said firewood collection restrictions introduced at the start of the autumn season this year will continue, with some designated collection areas restricted to residents of specific local shires.
“While firewood is free to collect, supply is not unlimited. This means firewood needs to be managed responsibly to ensure environmental sustainability,” she said.
“We had a very positive response from community members following the introduction of local restrictions in autumn. Thank you to everyone who has followed the rules.”
Ms Groch said authorised officers will be patrolling park and forests to ensure residents are following the rules.
“Designated firewood collection areas are selected for a range of reasons including the availability of firewood, community safety, and to protect sites of cultural and environmental significance,” she said.
“You are only allowed to collect two cubic metres per person, per day. You can only collect a total of 16 cubic metres of firewood per household per financial year.
“Most people do the right thing and stick to the collection limits and local restrictions however authorised officers will be patrolling parks, forests and reserves to catch those who aren’t.
“Firewood collectors may be asked to prove their residential address when collecting firewood.”
Firewood can only be collected during autumn from March 1 to June 30 and Spring from September 1 to November 30.
The penalties for those caught breaking the rules can be a fine up to $8261 or up to one year’s imprisonment.
For more information on firewood collection rules, and to find your closest designated firewood collection area, visit www.ffm.vic.gov.au/
firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region
Financial assistance is available for concession card holders and people on low incomes who rely on purchasing firewood.
More information about this support can be found at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support