There are no firewood collection areas in Moira Shire.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Barmah, and a few other northern Victorian centres, have missed out on access to firewood collection this spring.
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According to a map published on the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website on Friday, there are no collection areas in the Campaspe, Moira and Greater Shepparton local government areas.
DEECA says a small number of areas may experience a delayed opening due to current track closures and access.
The closest collection point for Barmah residents is a three-and-a-half hour round trip, State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has pointed out.
She described the collection rules as “ridiculous”.
Ms Lovell said Moira Shire residents who relied on wood for heating or cooking were again ignored despite abundant wood in the nearby Barmah forest.
A DEECA map showing the places where firewood can be collected.
She said as a result of Labor’s rules, many Moira residents were finding it difficult to access free firewood to heat their homes, and with the rising cost of living, were unable to afford to purchase wood.
Ms Lovell said the new rules announced on Friday were proof the Andrews Government cares little about Moira residents and called on Environment Minister Ingrid Stitt to allow them to help clear increased fire hazards and collect fallen wood from regional parks within Moira Shire.
“It is an insult to locals that Labor are forcing them to drive up to three-and-a-half hours to collect wood just to heat their homes and I call on the minister to end this madness and allow Moira residents to access firewood closer to home.”
Barmah resident Dean Adams, who relies on firewood for heating, expressed disappointment with the lack of opportunities to collect firewood.
Referring to DEECA statements that the Victorian Government had supports in place for vulnerable people, Mr Adams said it was simply not true.
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