Open season on firewood

THE spring 2016 Firewood Collection Season opens across Victoria on Thursday 1 September.
This opens the way for local collection of firewood on public land in designated areas.
“We want to remind people that it will once again be legal to collect firewood from designated areas on public land across Victoria from 1 September 2016 until 30 November,” Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) regional manager forest and fire operations Peter Kambouris said.
“Some designated firewood collection areas may not open at the beginning of the spring 2016 Firewood Season for various reasons, including supply or accessibility due to wet conditions,” he said.
“More information and updates will be available at www.delwp.vic.gov.au/firewood from 1 September.
“DELWP and Parks Victoria staff will be patrolling parks, forests and reserves to ensure people are doing the right thing.
“Firewood collection is only permitted on public land during designated times of the year and from designated firewood collection areas.
“It is illegal to sell firewood collected on public land without an appropriate permit or licence or to take more than the allowed amount.”
Infringement Notices for illegal firewood collection are $622, with maximum penalties for offences under the Forest Act 1958 standing at $7773, one year imprisonment or both.
Any information the community may have about the illegal removal of firewood for sale can be reported to DELWP on 136 186, quoting Operation Axe.