The autumn firewood season has now opened, with State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy encouraging locals to take this opportunity to collect free firewood for domestic use.
“I am pleased to see the autumn firewood season open for 2024, as this gives locals the opportunity to collect firewood and help utilise free heating,” he said.
“The collection of firewood is a great way to help tidy up our national parks and crown land, and also a bushfire preventative.
“I also encourage anyone collecting firewood to think about your neighbours and those who may benefit from firewood and help them out by sparing some for them."
For Cobram residents, the nearest points of collection for firewood are in Beechworth or Violet Town, a situation Mr McCurdy has called unacceptable.
“With power bills skyrocketing, more people are turning to wood to stay warm during the winter months. We should not be punishing those who are doing so from Cobram and Yarrawonga by making them drive over an hour to their nearest collection point,” he said.
“I am disappointed that the Environment Minister has not listened to the community on this matter.”
However, a Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action spokesperson said the public land in Moira Shire and adjoining areas is largely national park.
“These areas were created following significant community consultation, including on issues of access to firewood,” the spokesperson said.
“The national parks were created to protect their outstanding cultural and natural values, and as part of transition arrangements, firewood was made available to communities. However, these transition arrangements have now ceased.”