Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Firewood collection

Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (13:46): (946) My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Environment. With winter firmly upon us and a rise predicted in already high energy prices, it is a good time to revisit the puzzling restrictions on the collection of firewood on public land. Not everyone can keep up with the ever-increasing cost of living, particularly those on fixed incomes and in rural areas. Add to that those off the grid because of cost or by choice and you have a real need for a source of heating, and that is firewood. The current restrictions are causing a supply shortage, which leads to increased costs – it is basic economics – costs that few can readily absorb. My question is: will the minister, as a matter of urgency, investigate the lengthening of the so-called season and the areas available for collection of firewood so that those who need the wood for heating can collect enough to see them through one of the colder winters in years?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (13:46): I thank the member for the question. The question will be referred to the Minister for Environment, and he will respond to your question as per the standing orders.

Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (13:47): I thank the minister for passing it on. Those that do collect their own firewood often cannot afford their own four-wheel drive and trailer, meaning they can only go a short way into a state forest to do their collection. Will the minister commit to ensuring access roads to those specified collection areas are properly maintained so that a standard two-wheel drive vehicle can access them?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (13:47): Again, I thank the member for his supplementary, and it will be referred to the Minister for Environment.