Spring firewood collection season opens in Gippsland

FROM Thursday, September 1, designated firewood collection areas in state forests across Gippsland will be open, with 78 firewood collection areas open across the region.

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Gippsland Deputy Chief Fire Officer Sam Quigley said firewood collection was dependant on the area, with certain collection areas having larger volumes of firewood than others.

“While firewood is free to collect, supply is not unlimited. This means firewood needs to be managed responsibly to ensure environmental sustainability,” Mr Quigley said.

“If your household relies on firewood for heating or cooking, please begin planning ahead of time for the upcoming year and explore all available energy options open to you.”

Firewood can only be collected from Spring from September 1 to November 30.

“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,” Mr Quigley said.

“Residents are only allowed to collect two cubic metres per person per day and 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 however Authorised Officers will be patrolling forests to catch those who aren’t.”

“Gippsland has experienced significant rainfall which may impact access to some firewood areas. Please drive to the conditions and do not drive on closed roads or tracks.”

Please be aware of the environment around you at all times and safety of others when in state forests, trees may fall or drop limbs without warning.

Planned burns are scheduled throughout the Spring season, which may impact the availability of firewood in certain areas if the collection area is closed to the public. 

Plan ahead and visit https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/ for the latest information on planned burns in your area.

For more information on firewood collection rules, and to find your closest designated firewood collection area, go to https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood call 136 186 or contact your local DELWP office.
Information will be available on interactive maps, released on September 1, 2022.

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 https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support