| Commercial forest products VicForests is the Victorian government business with responsibility for the sustainable harvest and commercial sale of Victoria's timber in eastern Victoria. The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) remains responsible for the management and licensing of timber harvesting in State forests in western Victoria. DSE also manages the sale of domestic firewood and some other minor forest products throughout the State. The Sustainable Forests (Timber Harvesting) Act 2004 requires anyone engaged in commercial timber harvesting in Victoria’s State forests to hold a Timber Harvesting Operator’s Licence (THOL). ‘Timber harvesting’ is the harvesting of any tree, or part of any tree for the purpose of sale or processing and sale. This excludes harvesting firewood for personal (domestic) use, which is regulated under the forests (licences and permits) regulations. Persons interested in commercial timber harvesting in State forests in western Victoria must obtain a Forest Produce Licence. To apply for a Forest Produce Licence, complete the application form below and submit it to your nearest DSE office for assessment.  Application for a Forest Produce Licence for commercial harvesting of forest produce in State forest in Victoria (PDF - 101 Kb)In eastern Victoria, persons interested in commercial timber harvesting should contact VicForests. |  |
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Domestic firewood collection
To ensure the sustainable management of Victoria's forests, DSE controls the amount of firewood collected and the areas that are available for collection. Before removing firewood from public land, including State forests, the proper authorisations must be obtained.
The collection and removal of firewood for domestic use requires a permit issued by DSE or an agent acting on behalf of DSE. A domestic firewood permit is issued for a short term and for small quantities of timber only. The firewood must be paid for in advance, and a map directing you to areas for collection and other permit conditions will be provided.
Types of firewood to use
Firewood should be as dry as possible for burning. Green (or 'wet') wood is difficult to light, gives off a lot of smoke and produces less heat. Firewood collected from State forest is more likely to be green. However if cut and stored correctly, green wood can be dried out enough to burn well within 12 months.
To aid drying, firewood should be cut into small pieces and stacked loosely, off the ground and with good air flow. It is recommended that firewood be collected during the warmer months and at least 12 months in advance of when you intend to burn it.
The best type of wood to burn is open to debate. However heavy eucalypt timbers are typically favoured for firewood. As a general rule, heavier timbers produce more heat for the volume of wood and last longer in burning. However, most types of wood are suitable for burning when dry.
Where to buy a domestic firewood permit
Domestic firewood permits can be purchased from any local DSE office (excluding - DSE Head Office, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne VIC and Land Victoria 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC)
Authorised agents for DSE domestic firewood permits are listed in the PDF below.
Authorised Agents 2008/2009 (PDF - 26 KB)The cost of a domestic firewood permit
The cost of a domestic firewood permit varies, depending on a number of factors including the level of demand for domestic firewood and the cost associated with making domestic firewood available.
The current cost of a cubic metre of firewood for domestic use (including GST) is detailed in the following document.
Domestic firewood charges 2008/2009 (PDF - 18 KB)Concession rate is available to holders of an eligible card. These include: Pensioner Concession Cards; Health Care Card; or Repatriation Health Card (excluding the dependant).
The price of domestic firewood is reviewed annually.
Rules for collecting firewood
- Before collecting firewood from State forest you must have a valid permit
- When collecting firewood you must carry your permit with you at all times
- Your permit must be shown to any employee or agent of DSE that asks to see it
- Unless specifically authorised, only collect fallen timber. You must not cut down any standing tree (either dead or alive) or cut or break off any part of a standing tree for firewood
- Follow the conditions of the permit, including the amount of firewood you are authorised to remove
- Only drive on formed roads to access areas for collecting firewood. Do not drive off-road
- Avoid collecting firewood after a prolonged period of wet weather
- Chainsaws must not be used on days of Total Fire Ban
- Take all litter with you when you leave.
Select the link to find out more about domestic firewood collection in Victoria's Box-Ironbark Forests and Woodlands
Further information of domestic firewood collection
Information Sheet - collecting domestic firewood in State forest in eastern Victoria (PDF - 1.3 MB) Information Sheet - collecting domestic firewood in State forest in western Victoria (PDF - 1.3 MB)Page Top
Other forest products
Visit your local DSE office to find out more about the other forest products that you may be able to obtain from State forests. Forest products may only be removed from State forests under the authority of a Forest Produce Licence issued by DSE.
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Related links
DSE office location details - regional and local office contact details.
Our Forests, Our Future - Victorian government statement on forest policy.
Allocation Order under the Sustainable Forest (Timber) Act 2004 - detail on the system of timber allocation introduced in 2004.
Wood Utilisation Plans - details of planned commercial harvesting operations in a Forest Management Area.
Monitoring Annual Harvesting Performance - DSE's independently reviewed monitoring process of the areas harvested.
Environmental policy for Victoria's State forests - a vision for ISO certification.
VicForests - information about commercial timber harvesting and sale on State forests in eastern Victoria.
Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents - copies of all Victorian legislation are available from this site.
Please note: Document(s) on this page are presented in PDF format. If you do not have the Adobe Reader, you can download a copy free from the Adobe web site.
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