Domestic firewood supply in state forests is provided from fallen trees and forest management works.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action forest and fire operations director Aaron Kennedy said people can collect up to two cubic metres per person per day during a firewood collection season with a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.
Mr Kennedy said firewood collection is only allowed in designated firewood collection areas in state forests during approved times and for personal use only. Collected firewood cannot be sold.
Maps are available at: https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region
Firewood collectors are being urged to play it safe and check local weather conditions as well as their planned route before heading into the forest, especially after recent flooding, storms and bushfires.
“When collecting, please drive only on formed roads, be aware of the environment around you and safety of yourself and others as trees may fall or drop limbs without warning,” Mr Kennedy said.
“I would encourage people who rely on firewood for heating and cooking to plan their needs early.
“Firewood collected during the collection seasons needs at least eight to 12 months to cure and be dry before use.”
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 is available for people on low incomes who buy firewood at: https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support
It’s an offence to collect wood outside designated areas or to leave formed roads to collect or load.
“Most people do the right thing and stick to the collection limits, but people should know authorised officers from the Conservation Regulator, FFMVic and Parks Victoria conduct routine, random and targeted patrols of forest areas,” Mr Kennedy said.
Officers can issue fines of $769 to those caught breaking the rules, and serious offences have a maximum penalty of $9615 and/or one year in prison.