Flood-damaged firewood rescued from burn-offs in the Barmah forest will be available for free collection on Friday, September 27.

The process has been a huge win for the district, with people looking for firewood as a heating option to offset soaring electricity bills.

The wood was pushed into large piles throughout the forest and, while some was reclaimed for “habitat and environmental projects within the park”, the rest was to be burnt by Department of Energy, Environment, Climate Action staff.

But a public outcry and pressure from Yorta Yorta Elders and state Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh saw the department reverse the decision.

A DEECA spokesperson said the wood had been relocated from Barmah National Park to a designated firewood collection area at Corrys Rd, Barmah Island, and would be open to the community at first light on Friday, September 27.

The collection area will close as soon as the available wood has been exhausted.

The spokesperson said the designated firewood collection area would be clearly signposted. An online map and more information is available at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood

Mr Walsh said with Victoria’s soaring power bills — on top of the cost-of-living crisis — this much wood “offered a massive relief to people struggling to make ends meet”.

“If the wood was going to be burnt, and remember DEECA had already burnt some, common sense would say it should be burnt effectively — and that would be heating homes or helping small local businesses actually stay in business,” he said.

Financial assistance is available for the vulnerable, who rely on firewood.

This includes tailored support via the Energy Assistance Program, a $250 rebate for eligible households from the Energy Bill Relief Fund, payments of between $55 and $619 per year for eligible households relying on non-mains energy, including firewood for heating and cooking, and up to $650 via the Non-Mains Utility Relief Grant for Victorians on low incomes who rely on firewood as their only source of fixed heating.

More information about financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who buy firewood at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support

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