Firewood Collection

Armchair beside a fireplace

Only Indigo Shire residents are eligible for firewood collection permits.

To apply for a permit, you must:

  • Be a current resident of Indigo Shire
  • Provide proof of residency (current rates notice, utility bill, or lease agreement)
  • Hold a valid driver's license or identification

If you do not live in Indigo Shire, you will not be granted a permit under any circumstances.

Collection seasons

Firewood collection is permitted during two designated seasons each year, as set by Forest Fire Management Victoria:

  • 1 March to 30 June 
  • 1 September to 30 November

These statewide collection seasons are chosen because spring and autumn are considered the safest times of year for collection. The summer months present too high a fire danger for safe collection activities and in winter, there’s a risk of damage to roads and tracks due to wet conditions and heavy vehicle use.

Important environmental and safety considerations

While roadside firewood provides an affordable fuel source, collection activities must balance benefits with significant risks:

Environmental impacts
  • Road reserves provide critical habitat for native species
  • Fallen logs are essential shelter and breeding sites for native fauna
  • Inadequate weed hygiene can spread invasive species to new areas
Safety risks
  • Chainsaw operation hazards
  • Traffic dangers from vehicles and pedestrians
  • Unstable logs and uneven terrain
Your responsibilities
  • Clean tools and vehicles before moving between locations
  • Wear appropriate safety equipment
  • Be considerate of neighboring properties
  • Follow all traffic laws and collection guidelines

Which roads can I collect firewood from?

Firewood can only be collected from roads included on the permitted roads list below.

Collection is NOT ALLOWED on roads managed by the Department of Transport (formerly Regional roads Victoria).

To view the roads managed by Regional Roads Victoria, click here.

Roads not listed below contain vegetation with critical and high conservation value and firewood collection is prohibited.

View the list of permitted roads 

Authorised Council officers will assess each permit application taking into consideration other works that may be going on at the time. No firewood collection will be permitted on roads that are classified as high or critical conservation value.  

How do I get a permit and how much does it cost?

Only Indigo Shire residents are eligible to apply for a firewood collection permit.

You need to complete our Firewood Collection permit application form.

  • Please allow five business days for your permit to be processed
  • You will need to include the specific roads and sections that you propose to undertake the collection on, please refer to our table of permitted roads.
  • Only Indigo Shire managed roads are applicable to firewood collection applications.
  • If you are completing a hard copy form, you can submit it to info@indigoshire.vic.gov.au or in person at one of our customer service centres.

Permit Fees

  • Standard: $27.45
  • Pensioner: $16.90


When are firewood collection seasons?

Firewood collection seasons are usually:

  • 1 March to 30 June
  • 1 September to 30 November

However, the opening and closing dates may be modified based on conditions and consultation with the CFA.

DELWP also offers designated firewood collection areas on crown land, check the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action for further information.



Community firewood access

From time to time our operations team clears trees that are suitable for firewood, as a result the Indigo Shire has established a Community Woodlot. The Community Woodlot has been operating since 2007 in partnership with the Beechworth Correctional Centre to provide a source of low-cost firewood for Indigo Shire pensioners and concession cardholders.

Due to prisoner team time constraints it is difficult to facilitate distribution over the whole of the Shire area and direct delivery is not guaranteed.  However recipients can arrange for collection from those depots where the wood is prepared.   If you are part of a community organisation that would like to assist in helping with the distribution of wood within your local community, please contact us.


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