For information about free storm firewood collection for Macedon Ranges residents please visit our Storm Recovery page.
Some restrictions may apply and permits may be required for for collecting firewood, depending on the type of land.
The Victorian Government has announced changes to the collection of firewood on public land. The changes are intended to make firewood collection from public land more affordable and straightforward for the community.
Permits
From 1 September 2011, a permit is no longer required to collect firewood for personal use from public land in state forests and parks within designated fire collection areas. However, in light of recent storm activity, we ask you to reconsider entering these areas until they are cleared by Emergency Services.
Collection areas, rules and seasons
For more information, contact the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning on 136 186 or see: Firewood collection in your region
Municipal roadside collection
In light of the recent storm activity throughout the Macedon Ranges Shire, any requests for permits to collect firewood from such areas at this present time will be denied. Your safety would be our first concern, and, we cannot ensure your safety at the moment so Council will not be issuing any permits to collect firewood from anywhere within the Shire. Adequate firewood supplies can be safely obtained from commercial firewood suppliers. We will update this information as we are advised by Emergency Services.
The collection of firewood from public land (crown land) is not available at this present time due to the recent storm damage. We will update this information as we are advised by Emergency Services.
For more information, see Local Laws Permit Application.
Applicants should submit a letter to the Local Laws unit providing the following details:
- Applicant contact details (postal address and phone number)
- Proposed location of firewood collection
- Whether firewood collection is for domestic or commercial purposes.
- Estimated volume of firewood
- Date and time of proposed firewood collection
- Public liability insurance certificate of currency ($10,000,000)
- Traffic Management Plan to the Australian Standard.
Applications should be addressed to:
Firewood Collection Permit
Local Laws unit
PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444
Applications can also be submitted in person at a Council customer service centre in Kyneton, Gisborne, Romsey and Woodend.
A Local Law No. 10 General Permit (available in Word(DOCX, 187KB) or PDF(PDF, 200KB)) is required. A $147 application fee is applicable and is non-refundable for unsuccessful applications.
Fallen timber can be collected from private land without a permit if permission is obtained from the landowner. Large standing dead trees with a diameter greater than 40cm require a planning permit for clearing.
Illegal firewood collection on roadsides should be reported to Council's Local Laws unit on (03) 5422 0333 or the Department of Sustainability and Environment on (03) 5348 2211.
Further information relating to the collection of firewood can be obtained by calling the Department of Environment and Primary Industries on 136 186 or contact us on (03) 5422 0333.