Victorians can collect free firewood for personal use from state forest collection areas until June 30.
Collectors are being reminded to check local weather conditions and plan their route before heading into the forest, especially after recent flooding, storms, and bushfires. Domestic firewood supply in state forests is provided from fallen trees and forest management works.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action Director Forest and Fire Operations Gippsland, Sam Quigley said people can collect up to two cubic metres per person per day during a firewood collection season with a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.
Mr Quigley said firewood collection is only allowed in designated firewood collection areas during a firewood season and urged the community to stay out of dangerous storm-ravaged areas to allow authorities to clean-up debris.
"These areas are not designated collection areas and anyone entering them to take firewood is not only committing an offence, but they are risking their own safety," he said.
"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," he said.
Mr Quigley also encouraged people who rely on firewood for heating and cooking to plan their needs early.
"Firewood collected during the collection seasons needs at least 8-12 months to cure and be dry before use."
The Victorian Government provides targeted energy support and concessions for people on low incomes who buy firewood or need assistance with their energy costs. This includes tailored support via the Energy Assistance Program, a $250 rebate for eligible households from the Energy Bill Relief Fund, payments of between $55 and $619 per year for eligible households that rely on non-mains energy including firewood for heating and cooking, and up to $650 via the Non-Mains Utility Relief Grant for Victorians on low incomes who rely on firewood as their only source of fixed heating.
More information about financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who buy firewood: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support.
It is illegal to cut down trees, collect wood outside designated areas or to leave formed roads to collect.
"Most people do the right thing and stick to the collection limits, but people should know Authorised Officers will be patrolling to catch those who aren't," Mr Quigley said.
Officers can issue fines of $769 to those caught breaking the rules, and serious offences have a maximum penalty of $9,615 and/or one year in prison.
Community members can help by reporting any suspected illegal firewood collection on 136 186.
To find your local collection area, visit: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood and more information about firewood collection rules can be found here: www.vic.gov.au/collecting-firewood.