Firewood collection regulations in Central Victoria are changing to ensure locals gain greater access to the renewable heating resource.
The rules will impact shires such as Buloke, Gannawarra and the Northern Grampians including the Lockwood State Forest located near Buloke, the Gunbower National Park in Gannawarra and the Northern Grampians National Park in the Northern Grampians.
The new changes will enforce a ban on residents living outside local shires in the Central Victoria jurisdiction from collecting firewood in designated areas of forests.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Forest Planning Team Leader Amy Groch said the changes to rules are driven by the need to consolidate domestic firewood supplies for local residents.
“While firewood is free to collect, supply is not unlimited. This means firewood needs to be managed responsibly to ensure environmental sustainability.”
“These new restrictions have been introduced following extensive community consultation.
“We want to remind the community that firewood can only be taken from designated firewood collection areas in state forests during approved Autumn and Spring collection seasons, from 1 March to 30 June and from 1 September to 30 November, respectively.”
“Designated firewood collection areas are selected for a range of reasons including the availability of firewood, community safety, and to protect sites of cultural and environmental significance.”
The changes will take effect from Tuesday the 1st of March.