Northern Victoria MP Gaelle Broad has raised concerns about the lack of available firewood, following the commencement of the collection season on March 1.
Ms Broad spoke about the issue in parliament on March 6 on behalf of a constituent, and called for the Minister for Environment to secure Victoria’s future firewood supplies.
“The action I seek is for the minister to… extend the firewood collection season and enable the collection of free firewood in areas with fallen trees after the recent storms, especially where there is community benefit,” she said.
“In many regional areas people rely on firewood for heating as electricity and gas bills continue to rise under this government.
“The 2024 autumn firewood collection season… runs until June 30, and should be extended.”
Ms Broad referenced the 39-year-old man from Kyneton who was fined $3000 last month after he pleaded guilty to illegally cutting firewood on public land.
“The cost of firewood is skyrocketing, and some people are becoming so desperate that they are resorting to illegal firewood collection,” she said.
“I asked the minister a question about firewood supplies in October last year, and I am yet to receive a response.
“It appears as though the government has no plan for affordable firewood in Victoria. Winter is fast approaching, and Victoria is facing a significant firewood shortage.”
Ms Broad said the government’s website doesn’t guarantee firewood will be available for collection in the domestic firewood collection areas after it has been opened.
“Free firewood zones are under pressure and commercial supplies are drying up.
“VicForests supply a large amount of commercial firewood, but with the closure of the sustainable native timber industry, these supplies are at risk.
“The government needs to secure Victoria’s firewood supplies, extend the season and enable the collection of free firewood in areas damaged in the recent storms where there is community benefit.”
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos was contacted for comment.
Zoe Moffatt
