Northern Victorian residents have few opportunities to find firewood this autumn.
Forest Fire Management Victoria has listed only a few places where residents can find firewood, and most of those are only available to local residents, or require four-wheel drive access.
The 2024 autumn firewood collection season is open from March until Sunday, June 30.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said she never imagined accessing firewood would become a privilege that only a small number of the community could enjoy year-round.
“While I am grateful to have my husband David chopping wood for me and my family to use, too many people are unable to do the same,” she said.
Ms Cleeland said collection periods are not open long enough and limit picking up firewood to small areas spread across the state, the native timber industry has been shut down, and roadside collections are banned.
State Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said the Victorian Government must act immediately to secure Victoria’s firewood supplies.
Ms Broad was told by residents that the Bendigo collection area was cleaned out by midday on the day the season opened — in just four hours.
“The Labor State Government has no plan for affordable firewood in Victoria,” she said.
“Winter is fast approaching, and Victoria is facing a significant firewood shortage.”
Ms Broad asked the environment minister a question in parliament about firewood supplies in October last year but is yet to receive a response.
Ms Cleeland said from June 2022 to June 2023, electricity prices increased by about 28 per cent in Victoria, significantly more than the rest of the country.
“Sadly, with these changes, people are having to choose between feeding their families or powering their homes, and that is a decision nobody should have to make.”
The Victorian Government provides 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. Go to: https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support