East Gippslanders are now able to collect free firewood for personal use from designated state forest firewood collection areas.
This autumn, there are 72 firewood collection areas available across the Gippsland region.
Most collection areas in Gippsland provide only low quantities of firewood from natural fall, so early collection is recommended.
The autumn firewood season ends on June 30, 2025.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) director forest and fire operations Gippsland, Sam Quigley, urged collectors to play it safe and check local weather conditions as well as their planned route before heading into the forest.
“When collecting, please drive only on formed roads, be aware of the environment around you and the safety of yourself and others as trees may fall or drop limbs without warning,” he said.
People can collect up to two cubic metres per person per day with a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.
Mr Quigley encouraged people who rely on firewood for heating and cooking to plan for their needs early.
“Firewood needs at least eight to 12 months to cure and must be dry before use,” he said.
Within designated collection areas, collectors can collect and cut wood that is on the ground due to natural fall or forest and fire management works. Heavy penalties apply to anyone who cuts down a tree, living or dead.
Wood will be of varying sizes and may not be the same quality as the firewood sold by a commercial cutter. A wheelbarrow may be needed to transport wood, as vehicles must not leave formed roads or tracks.
“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.
Authorised officers can issue fines of more than $769 to those caught breaking the firewood collection rules. More serious offending can result in maximum penalties of $9879 and/or 12 months in prison. Authorised officers can also seize chainsaws, trailers, vehicles, and equipment that’s used in the commission of offending.
