THERE is a renewed push for the State Government to permit firewood collection within Barmah Forest.
During a recent regional sitting of State Parliament in Echuca, the Member for Northern Victoria, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, emphasised the urgent need to address the issue, with Barmah residents currently being made to drive a near three-and-a-half hour round trip to their nearest firewood collection point near Warrenbayne.
“During the Easter break, I took a drive through the Barmah Forest, and I was shocked at the piles of dead trees and branches covering the ground,” Tyrrell said. “The deadfall is inhibiting the growth of saplings and regeneration of the forest.”
The absence of designated firewood collection points in the Greater Shepparton and Moira local government areas compounds the issue, she noted. Opening the Barmah Forest for locals to gather firewood ahead of the winter season is seen as a practical solution.
“Allowing local residents into Barmah Forest to collect fallen firewood would not only help regenerate forest growth, but would also clear the potential fire risk this deadfall creates,” she said.
“It is absurd when you have potential firewood littered across the Barmah Forest that people can access safely and that is why Labor need to open the Barmah Forest so local residens can collect the wood they need for the winter.”
