Free firewood on offer for a limited time

VICTORIANS who use firewood for domestic purposes have been reminded that they can collect it for free from designated areas until 30 November.

There’s a limit of two cubic metres per person per day with a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household every financial year.

Sources from state forests include fallen trees and leftovers from forest management works including bushfire prevention activities and post-storm cleanups.

Grampians Region deputy chief fire officer Jason Hellyer said the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action balances access to firewood with safety, forest values, biodiversity and cultural heritage matters in mind.

“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,” he said.

“It’s important Victorians plan their firewood needs early as it can take at least 8-12 months for firewood collected during the collection seasons to be dry enough to burn safely and effectively.”

Those who wish to collect wood are reminded it’s illegal to do so outside designated areas or to chop down or damage any dead or standing trees. It’s also an offence to take vehicles off road to collect or load.

“Most people do the right thing by sticking to the collection limits and following the rules,” Mr Hellyer said.

Authorised Officers regularly patrol public land and can issue fines of more than $750. Serious offences have a maximum penalty of $9,879 and/or one year in prison.