Firewood collection

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 - state forests and parks within designated fire collection areas

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. 

For more information, visit Forest Fire Management Victoria

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.  

Public land under local government management

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, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, 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, 194KB) or PDF(PDF, 171KB)) is required. An 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.

Anyone caught breaking firewood collection rules can face on-the-spot fines, or fines and/or jail if the matter is taken to court.

Illegal firewood collection should be reported to Council's Local Laws unit on (03) 5422 0333 or Conservation Regulator VIC on 136 186.

Unfortunately there have been reports of dodgy firewood deliveries in the area – often advertised on social media.

If you are planning on buying firewood, make sure you:

1. Ask your firewood seller where the wood they are supplying is sourced from.
2. Ask for a receipt with a business name and ABN listed.
3. If it seems cheap, ask why.

More information: Buying firewood