Firewood collection areas open in state forests

VICTORIANS will are now able to collect free firewood for personal use from designated state forest firewood collection areas. The autumn firewood season ends on 30 June, but 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, urged collectors to play it safe and check 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. “Firewood needs at least 8-12 months to cure and must be dry before use," he said. Collected firewood cannot be sold. Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who need to buy firewood, for more information visit www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support. Find your local collection area and information about collecting firewood at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region. There are more than a dozen sites located within the Alpine Shire, all of which stipulate 4WD access. 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. “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,” Mr Kennedy 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.

Firewood collection areas open in state forests

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