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Free firewood collection open to Gippslanders until 30 June 2023

Danny O'Brien encourages Gippslanders to collect firewood during autumn season, helping remove forest debris and supporting those in need.

By news@gippsland - 21st March 2023 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien is encouraging locals to take advantage of the autumn firewood collection season. Mr O'Brien said the firewood collection season is a great opportunity for locals to get out and gather firewood for free while also helping to remove debris from our forest floors. "Firewood is a critical source of heat (and even cooking and hot water) for many Gippslanders, particularly as rising energy prices make alternative heating sources unmanageable in the already stretched family budget."

The 2023 autumn firewood collection season is open from Wednesday 1 March until Friday 30 June

Help neighbours collect firewood

Mr O'Brien said, "If you are in a position to do-so, I also encourage you to think about your neighbours and relatives who might not be able to collect wood for themselves. Whilst there is a 2 cubic metre per day per person restriction on collecting, you can collect for others if they complete a nomination form."

Mr O'Brien said nomination forms are available at DEECA offices and on the website ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood. "The collection of firewood is a great way to help tidy up our national parks and Crown land and help reduce the risk of bushfire and I will continue to lobby for accessible areas to be available for collection across Gippsland." Mr O'Brien said.

Local firms selling firewood

Mr O'Brien said for those who are unable to collect their own wood or require more than the allowed 16 cubic metres, there are concessions available for eligible households. "We also have a number of great local firms which sell firewood for those who require more than 16m3 or are unable to collect for themselves which will accept payment through the non-mains energy concession program."

A full list of firewood collection areas is available online at Forest Fire Management Victoria website. For more information, visit Concessions and benefits page or phone the concessions information line toll free on 1800 658 521. The firewood collection for autumn is open now until 30 June 2023.

Pictures from Forest Fire Management Victoria website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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