Victorians will be able to collect free firewood for personal use from designated state forest firewood collection areas from 1 March 2025. This autumn, there are 19 firewood collection areas that will be available across the Port Phillip Region.
The autumn firewood season ends on 30 June 2025, but collectors are reminded individual collection areas may close earlier if there is no more firewood available.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) Director Forest and Fire Operations Port Phillip, Tamara Beckett, urged collectors to play it safe and check local weather conditions as well as their planned route before heading into the forest.
“With parts of the state affected by bushfires, access to some firewood collection areas might be restricted until conditions are safe.
“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,” she said.
Ms Beckett 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. She encouraged people who rely on firewood for heating and cooking to plan for their needs early.
Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who need to buy firewood: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support.
Find your local collection area and information about collecting firewood here: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region. Maps will be live from midnight, Saturday 1 March. An interactive map includes details about vehicle access, while pdf maps include safety and other practical information.
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 to the vehicle as it cannot leave 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,” said Ms Beckett.
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 $9,879 and/or 12 months in prison. Authorised Officers can also seize chainsaws, trailers, vehicles, and equipment that’s used in the commission of offending.
Community members can find out more about collecting firewood and report any suspected illegal firewood collection by calling 136 186.
