Thursday, 5 March 2026

 Martha HAYLETT (Ripon) (14:46): (1551) My question is to the Minister for Environment. Minister, how is the Victorian government ensuring that families can access free firewood from designated collection areas this autumn? In communities across Ripon, many families rely on firewood to heat their homes, particularly around Maryborough and Mount Cole. For them firewood is not a lifestyle choice, it is a necessity. Normally residents around Maryborough have access to nine firewood coupes. In recent months that number has dropped to zero. This has caused real concern in our community, especially after last year’s protected industrial action by Forest Fire Management Victoria, which prevented the felling of trees for firewood. I am very pleased that this industrial action has now ended thanks to a hard-fought agreement secured by the Australian Workers’ Union, delivering better pay and conditions for the workers who keep our forests and communities safe, but families are still worried about supply. I look forward to sharing the minister’s response with them.