FIREWOOD collectors will need to check they are collecting from appropriate collection sites this year as those straying out of their region may be turned away.
Collection season started on Saturday and Victorians can collect free firewood for personal use from designated state forest firewood collection areas, but may be asked to prove their address due to a reduced supply this autumn.
The autumn firewood season ends on June 30 but individual collection areas may close earlier if there is no more firewood available.
Opening of the Gunbower State Forest designated firewood collection area is delayed to April 1 due to fire risk.
Residents from outside specified Local Government Areas, cannot collect firewood from designated firewood collection areas in state forests in Central Victoria.
These rules aim to ensure that local communities have greater access to available firewood into the future.
While firewood is free to collect, supply is not unlimited.
This means firewood needs to be managed responsibly to ensure environmental sustainability.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) Director Forest and Fire Operations Loddon Mallee, Scott Falconer, urged collectors to play it safe and check local weather conditions as well as their planned route before heading into the forest.
“When collecting, please drive only on formed roads, be aware of the environment around you and the safety of yourself and others as trees may fall or drop limbs without warning,” he said.
“People can collect up to two cubic metres per person per day with a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.
“People who rely on firewood for heating and cooking should plan for their needs early.”Firewood needs at least 8-12 months to cure and must be dry before use.
“We prioritise firewood availability for local communities and those who depend on firewood as their primary source of heating and cooking.
“This autumn, there is a reduced supply of domestic firewood available and fewer firewood collection areas will open”.
“To prioritise local communities’ access to available firewood, collection from designated firewood areas in state forests in central and northern Victoria will be limited to residents of specific local shires.
“Please verify you are eligible to collect before you arrive.”
Approved locations for each region can be found by visiting www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region.
An interactive map will include details about vehicle access safety and other practical information.
This autumn there are 15 firewood collection areas opening across Loddon Mallee from March 1, with more planned for later in the season.
