Firewood access granted

When Helen Dalton’s office became aware of these concerns she wrote to the Minister for Environment to seek clarification.

Mrs Dalton told the minister that, whilst he had advised that our closest collection area is Perricoota through NSW Forestry, this is well over an hours drive from Deniliquin.

“Our main source of firewood has always been through the Murray Valley National Park (25 minute drive).

“In the past we have made representation to the minister for environment to have the Emergency Provision Firewood Collection Areas open when the allocated area for collection has been too wet to access,” she said.

“The firewood season is due to close on the September 30 2023, there is still a good three months left in the season.

“Having no access to this much needed resource will be a detriment to the constituents of Deniliquin and surrounding areas especially the vulnerable who rely on cutting their own wood just to stay warm,” Mrs Dalton said.

“Especially with the current cost of living they won’t be able to afford to run electric heaters.

“Access to firewood within our communities for home heating purposes is of significant importance during the winter months and temperatures this week are getting down to -2 with tops of only 11 degrees.”

Mrs Dalton provided a 2022 map for the minister outlining the firewood collection area.

“I note that the current website only notes that Dora Creek and Tin Hut firewood collection areas closed, but as you will see on the map that I have attached there would be several other areas that constituents may be able to access,” she wrote.

A response from the minister via the National Parks reviewed the information and said the information will form the basis of the updated Emergency Provision map for 2023.

“We will have this map and updated information relating to firewood collection in place on Friday – prior to the weekend when firewood is traditionally collected,” Mrs Dalton was told.

“There will be flooded areas within the open areas and we will have messaging around this and safety messaging – ie don’t drive through flooded areas etc.”

The Link below will be updated in relation to the Murray Valley National Park and the community can click on the link to read the updated information.

Domestic firewood collection link : https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-management/river-red-gum-forests/managing-the-river-red-gum-forests/domestic-firewood-collection.