With the firewood collection season now open, concerns are mounting about the availability of firewood in regional Victoria.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, is calling on the Allan Labor Government to guarantee that enough firewood will be available for collection throughout the season.
“The locations of designated firewood collection areas have only just been released, and these spots are few and far between for many of our regional communities,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Last year, we saw collection areas struggling to meet demand, and the number of available areas continues to decrease year on year.
“There are also many in our communities – the elderly, the frail, the disabled – who simply cannot collect their own firewood.
“These concerns within the community have grown since the closure of the native timber industry, a major supplier of firewood across the state in previous years.”
Firewood collection areas continue to be located far from towns, with many only accessible to those with four-wheel drives.
In Euroa, the closest collection area is 40 minutes from town at either Mt Albert Track or Ruoaks Road. Seymour residents must travel just under 30 minutes to the Tallarook State Forest, while the closest pick-up area to Benalla is over 30 minutes away at Tiger Road.
With soaring electricity prices and unreliable power and gas access, more and more households in regional Victoria are depending on firewood for warmth during the colder months.
“Many Victorians rely on wood heating to stay warm over winter, and it’s increasingly difficult to get by without it,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Firewood has become an essential resource for regional communities, and the government needs to ensure a reliable, affordable supply.
Ms Cleeland is calling on the government to guarantee that firewood collection points are well-stocked and accessible.
“Victorians deserve a government that prioritises practical solutions to improve living conditions,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The Allan Labor Government must take immediate action to ensure these households can gather the firewood they need to stay warm and safe.”
