THE FOUR-month Autumn firewood collection season for 2022 began across Victoria yesterday, with several changes to access to State forests in Central Victoria.

Firewood can only be taken from designated collection areas in state forests or parks during approved times and for personal use only; collected firewood cannot be sold.

Collection limits include taking a maximum of two cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household, per financial year.

The felling of trees and cutting downed hollow logs for firewood is also prohibited.

Residents can collect firewood on behalf of someone else if they are unable to collect it themselves and nominate a representative to do so on their behalf.

If you have been nominated to collect firewood on someone else’s behalf, you must first print and complete a nomination form.

As the nominee, you must carry this form with you while you collect that firewood.

The Conservation Regulator, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria carry out routine, random and targeted patrols of forest areas and authorised officers issue on-the-spot fines for firewood offences, with an option to take people to court for major offences. 

“Firewood can only be collected from designated collection areas, which are put in place to protect sites of cultural and environmental significance across the region,” FFMVic Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Andrew Morrow said.

“Collection limits are in place to prevent stockpiling of larger volumes of firewood, which is important to ensure there’s enough firewood on public land for people who rely on it to stay warm over winter.

“Be sure to check local weather and forest conditions before heading out to make sure it’s safe before collecting firewood in your area.”

An interactive map showing designated collection areas is available at the FFMVic website.

The Barwon South West region has 16 firewood collection areas to start the Autumn season.

The firewood resource in the Otway District is a mixture of natural fall, by-product from hazard tree treatment for planned burn preparation, and a limited amount of production. Six collection areas are open.

In the Far South West, 10 collection areas are available and the firewood resource is natural fall, with by-product from hazard tree treatment for planned burn preparation.

Sites for collection include Roseneath State Forest – Vickery’s Rd, Nangeela State Forest - Centre E Track and Digby - Lanes Rd.

Forest conditions across South West Victoria can change quickly and FFMVic warns residents to respect the environment, and be mindful of their own safety.

Firewood collection areas may be closed if conditions become unsuitable or the resource is fully utilised and access to firewood collection areas may be disrupted at short notice due to planned burning or other fuel management.

Operations and up-to-date information can also be found at the FFMVic website.

Central Vic access restricted

VISITORS from the Barwon South West region and other parts of Victoria will no longer be able to access domestic firewood from state forests in Central Victoria, with new firewood restrictions taking effect on from yesterday.

Only residents of specific Central Victorian shires will be able to collect domestic firewood from Central Victorian designated firewood collection areas.

These changes aim to ensure that Central Victorian communities gain greater access to their available, local firewood into the future.

Penalties for illegal activity

LARGE penalties apply for breaking the law during firewood collection, including fines up to $8261 or up to one year’s imprisonment.

The regulatory body uses video surveillance cameras to monitor State forests and Conservation Regulator works with Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Parks Victoria to carry out regular patrols of forest areas – you may be asked to produce identification and proof of address, by authorised officers.

Officers can issue on-the-spot fines or take people to court for major offences.

Any information the community may have about the illegal removal of firewood for sale can be reported to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning on 136 186.

The 2022 Autumn firewood collection season opened yesterday, 1 March and closes on Tuesday, 30 June.