Seasonal firewood collection areas closing 30 June

Victorians are reminded that the collection of firewood for personal use from designated state forest firewood collection areas ends on 30 June 2025.

There are 18 firewood collection areas available across the Port Phillip region. Collection areas will reopen in spring from 1 September to 30 November.

While the popular Pioneer Creek Road collection area near Powelltown has low volumes of firewood, other areas across the Yarra and Dandenong Ranges have had good supply in the last week of collection.

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) Director Forest and Fire Operations Port Phillip Tamara Beckett remind residents that they can collect up to 2 cubic metres per person per day, with a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year for personal use.

'With firewood needing 8 to 12 months to dry before it is suitable to burn, people who rely on firewood for heating and cooking can get a head start of next year's winter supply by stocking up before collection areas close.'

'If you're unable to collect firewood yourself, you can nominate someone to collect firewood on your behalf.'

'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.

Find your local collection area and information about collecting firewood.

Persons nominated to collect firewood for others must carry a completed form with them.

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 varying sizes and quality. A wheelbarrow may be needed to transport wood to your vehicle.

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 or visiting Sourcing Firewood.