Victorian Firewood Strategy Discussion Paper
Firewood is an important source of low-cost fuel for heating and cooking for many Victorians. However, firewood cutting and collection can have a negative impact on our environment.
In recognition of this, in September 2000, the Victorian Government announced that a Victorian Firewood Strategy would be developed, with the aims of ensuring an ecologically sustainable supply of firewood for Victorians, and ensuring that the impacts of firewood collection on flora and fauna communities are minimised.
Subsequently, a commitment was made to the former Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council to prepare a firewood Action Plan as part of the National Approach to Firewood Collection and Use in Australia.
A Discussion Paper on firewood issues has been prepared by independent consultants, Sylva Systems Pty Ltd, as the first step in the development of Victoria's firewood strategy/action plan.
The Discussion Paper indicates:
- how much firewood is collected in Victoria
- where firewood is collected from (both public and private land sources)
- where firewood is consumed
- who collects firewood
- trends in the consumption of firewood.
The Discussion Paper does not make any specific recommendations for the management of firewood collection and use in Victoria. The Government has stated that Victorians will continue to have the right to collect firewood from private land.
The Discussion Paper and accompanying brochure are available here for download in PDF format.
Discussion Paper (PDF - 626 KB) Firewood Brochure (PDF - 85 KB)Following the release of this Discussion Paper in May 2002, a public consultation process was conducted. Community meetings were held across the State to facilitate discussion on firewood issues. Written submissions on the Discussion Paper were invited until 12 July 2002.