Under the current coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, if firewood is essential for home heating or
cooking, people can travel to the closest designated firewood collection area as long as physical
distancing requirements are followed. Stay as close to home as possible.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Acting District Manager, Adrian Parker said firewood
collection is only allowed in designated firewood collection areas during a firewood season.
"Due to the limited supply of firewood within the River Red Gum Forests in the Loddon
Mallee Region, restrictions are in place to ensure local residents are given priority access to their
local firewood," Mr Parker said.
"Firewood collection for the Gunbower Island and Guttrum State Forest (Robertson Break and
Miller Road) will be limited to residents of the shires of Campaspe, Gannawarra, Loddon and Swan
Hill Rural City Council only.
"Firewood collected during the Spring firewood collection season may be green. Green wood burns
well if cut and stored correctly for 12 months.
"I'd like to remind people that you are only allowed to collect two cubic metres per person per day.
You can only collect a total of 16 cubic metres of firewood per household per financial year.
"People are not allowed to fell trees at any time of year, even if inside a designated firewood
collection area.
"Most people do the right thing and stick to the collection limits however people should know
authorised officers will be patrolling parks, forests and reserves to catch those who aren't."
Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who purchase firewood.
https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support
"Firewood is an unpredictable and finite resource. We strongly encourage people who rely on
firewood for heating and cooking to plan their firewood needs and explore all energy options," Mr
Parker said.
"Please be COVID-Safe and aware of the environment around you at all times, trees may fall or
drop limbs without warning."
