VICTORIANS 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.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) said it balances access to firewood with safety, forest values, biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Forest Fire Management Victoria deputy chief fire officer, Aaron Kennedy, 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 as long as they collect from designated firewood collection areas during a firewood season.
Maps for this spring season’s designated collection areas can be found at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood.
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“Demand for firewood is always high, so we prioritise availability for local communities and those who depend on firewood as their primary source for heating and cooking," Mr Kennedy said.
“It’s important Victorians plan their firewood needs early as it can take at least eight to 12 months for firewood collected during the collection seasons to be dry enough to burn safely and effectively.”
It’s illegal to collect wood outside designated areas or to chop down or damage any dead or standing trees.
It’s also an offence to take vehicles off formed roads to collect or load wood.
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 Victorian 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.
More information about financial assistance available for people on low incomes who buy firewood, visit www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support.
