Local residents can now collect free firewood for personal use from state forest collection areas, until June 30.
Domestic firewood supply in state forests is provided from fallen trees and forest management works.
Only residents from specific councils, including Macedon Ranges, will be allowed to collect firewood from state forests in Central Victoria.
Nearby firewood collection areas include: Mill Road in Daylesford, Little Hampton Road in Glenlyon, Povey Track in Blackwood and Yankee Road in Barry’s Reef.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action team leader Amy Groch said residents can collect up to two cubic metres per person per day during a firewood collection season.
These limits include a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year. It’s an offence to collect wood outside designated areas or to leave formed roads to collect or load.
Ms Groch urged collectors to play it safe and check local weather conditions as well as their planned route before heading into the forest, especially after recent flooding, storms and bushfires.
“When collecting, please drive only on formed roads, be aware of the environment around you and safety of yourself and others as trees may fall or drop limbs without warning,” she said.
Ms Groch encouraged people who rely on firewood for heating and cooking to plan their needs early.
“Firewood collected during the collection seasons needs at least eight to 12 months to cure and be dry before use.”
Details: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood.
