Insufficient firewood collection areas are available to local residents, Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said.
Mr McCurdy said the opening of the Spring firewood collection season on 1 September once again failed to provide adequate designated collection sites.
“I am yet again disappointed there have not been more local firewood collection sites opened up this season,” Mr McCurdy said.
“More people are a home this year than ever before, meaning they need more firewood but there is a total lack of collection areas in the region.
“Residents from Cobram and Yarrawonga still need to travel massive distances to collect firewood.”
During current Coronavirus restrictions firewood can still be collected for home heating.
“Firewood is essential for many and can still be collected from State Forests in designated collection areas during specific dates,” Mr McCurdy said.
“For many households, particularly those in our rural towns, wood heating is the only form of heating in their homes.
“Due to our current circumstances there needs to be an increase in designated collection areas as well as a review of the limits to ensure it is sufficient to meet demand.
“I have continued to lobby the State Government for more local firewood collection areas to be opened up, especially around Yarrawonga and Cobram.
“However, yet again this season there is nowhere in these local areas, forcing people to travel unrealistic distances to access firewood collection locations.”
The spring firewood collection season concludes on 30 November.
More information is available at ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood