People who rely on firewood as their sole source of heating and cooking are strongly encouraged to plan their firewood needs early, ensure they are using firewood in the most efficient way possible and to explore their energy options.
Visit the Fire Forest Management Victoria website for energy concessions and support information.
Understanding where and when you can collect firewood in Mount Alexander Shire is crucial for both environmental protection and avoiding penalties.
The rules vary depending on the type of land.
Council-owned land and road reserves
- Permits for collecting firewood from Council-owned land or road reserves are not issued.
- Removal of wood from a Council roadside is an unpermitted activity and this is outlined with on page 43 of Council’s Roadside Conservation Management Plan. If you see wood on the roadside, It’s not firewood.
State forests and parks (Public land)
The Victorian Government manages firewood collection on most public land, much of which is within or easily accessible from Mount Alexander Shire.
No Permit Required.
Firewood for personal use can be collected from managed lots – these designated collection areas are in selected state forests and the sites change from year to year.
Collection seasons
Firewood can only be collected during two specific seasons:
- Autumn: 1 March to 30 June
- Spring: 1 September to 30 November
Designated Collection Areas
Firewood can only be collected from specifically designated areas.
Maps of these areas are published annually on 1 March and 1 September.
You can find these maps and more information on the Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) website or by calling the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) on 136 186.
Collection Rules
- You can only collect wood from trees and branches that are already on the ground.
- It is illegal to chop down trees or branches (dead or alive). This protects wildlife habitat.
- Avoid collecting wood that is visibly hollow or has moss or fungi growing on it, as these are important habitats for native fauna.
- Wood must be collected further than 20 metres from a waterway or waterhole.
Quantity Limits
You can collect two cubic metres of firewood per person per day, with a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.
Vehicles and Equipment
Drive only on formed roads or established tracks. You cannot tow or winch fallen trees. Small equipment like chainsaws, axes, or handsaws are permitted, but heavy machinery is not.
Personal Use Only
Firewood collected from state forests is for personal use only and cannot be sold.
Residency Restrictions
Firewood collection from state forests in Central Victoria (which includes Mount Alexander Shire) is restricted to residents of specific local shires. You may be asked to prove your address.
Fallen timber can be collected from privately owned land without a permit if permission is obtained from the landowner.
Important note: Removing large standing dead trees (typically those with a trunk diameter greater than 40cm at breast height) may require a planning permit for clearing, as they often provide significant habitat value. Always check with Council's Planning Department if you are unsure.
Anyone caught breaking firewood collection rules can face on-the-spot fines, larger fines and/or jail if the matter goes to court.
Report illegal firewood collection to:
Be cautious of suspicious firewood deliveries, especially those advertised cheaply on social media.
When buying firewood, always:
- Ask the seller where the wood is sourced from.
- Ask for a receipt including a business name and ABN.
- Question the price if it seems unusually cheap.
Find more information on the Victorian Government website about buying firewood.