Victorians will be able to collect free firewood for personal use from designated state forest firewood collection areas from Saturday, March 1 until June 30.
However, collectors are reminded individual collection areas may close earlier if there is no more firewood available.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action director of forest and fire operations, Aaron Kennedy, said it was important for firewood collectors to play it safe by checking 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.
Mr 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.
He encouraged people who rely on firewood for heating and cooking to plan for their needs early. Collected firewood cannot be sold.
“Firewood needs at least 8–12 months to cure and must be dry before use,” he said.
Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who need to buy firewood via www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support/
Find your local collection area and information about collecting firewood via www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region/
Maps will be live from midnight on Saturday, March 1.
An interactive map includes details about vehicle access, while PDF maps include safety and other practical information.
Within designated collection areas, collectors can collect and cut wood that is on the ground due to natural fall or forest and fire management works. Heavy penalties apply to anyone who cuts down a tree, living or dead.
Wood will be of varying sizes and may not be the same quality as the firewood sold by a commercial cutter.
Mr Kennedy said a wheelbarrow may be needed to transport wood to the vehicle as it cannot leave tracks.
“Most people do the right thing and stick to the collection limits, but people should know authorised officers from the Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria will be patrolling to catch those who aren’t,” he said.
Authorised Officers can issue fines of more than $769 to those caught breaking the firewood collection rules.
More serious offending can result in maximum penalties of $9879 and/or 12 months in prison.
Authorised Officers can also seize chainsaws, trailers, vehicles, and equipment that’s used in the commission of offending.
Community members can find out more about collecting firewood and report any suspected illegal firewood collection by calling 136 186.
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