Generally, removing firewood from national parks is prohibited. However, firewood collection is allowed in national parks and state forests in the Riverina. To collect firewood in these areas you must apply for a permit and have the permit with you during the collection and transportation of the firewood.
Tree-felling is prohibited. Firewood cannot be collected for sale or commercial use.
The firewood season is currently open.
Domestic firewood collection program
Firewood collection areas
Areas selected for firewood collection depend on:
- the presence of sufficient wood to allow removal while maintaining ecological processes and cultural heritage values
- adequate public access and safety
- amenity for other forest users
- other regulatory requirements.
The areas may be revised from time to time in response to changing circumstances such as flooding and depletion of coarse woody debris.
Energy efficiency and home heating alternatives
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has also adopted the taskforce recommendation to encourage alternative forms of heating and to provide information about energy efficiency.
Permits to collect firewood
There are 4 different types of public lands in the Riverina with firewood collection policies.
Each area is managed by a different agency and requires a specific permit that only allows firewood collection under certain conditions.
National parks and regional parks
Firewood collection in national and regional parks is managed by the NPWS and requires a permit. The firewood collection season is currently open.
Please Note: at present we are able to offer a 6 tonne licence with an expiry date of the 30th September – we hope that this may assist some people and minimise the application process (all other licences 1, 2 or 3 tonnes will have the usual 1 month expiry date).
Collection of firewood from national or regional parks:
- is permitted from April until September for one month from the date of issue of a permit
- allows for up to 6 tonnes per permit
- allows for up to 6 tonnes per household per annum
- is only available to NSW Riverina residents (Murray Valley, Murrumbidgee Valley) or Balranald and Murray River shire residents (Yanga).
- allows for river red gum firewood to be taken from designated collection areas.
Areas will be closed to collection of firewood when woody debris level reaches 45 tonnes per hectare.
Firewood collection in the Murray Valley
Only available to NSW Riverina residents.
Access to the nominated firewood collection areas has been restricted due to flooding within Murray Valley National Park.
Further areas for firewood collection have been made available within the reserves. Maps of these areas will be available when you purchase a firewood license.
Enquiries to NPWS Moama office on 03 5483 9100.
Firewood collection in the Murrumbidgee Valley
Only available to NSW Riverina residents.
Please check with NPWS Griffith office on 02 6966 8100.
Firewood collection in the Yanga National Park
Only available to Balranald and Murray River shire residents.
Please check with NPWS Buronga office on 03 5021 8900 or email npws.lowerdarling@environment.nsw.gov.au.
State forests
Firewood collection in state forests:
- is permitted throughout the year
- is allowed for 10 days from the nominated start date of a permit
- allows up to 6 tonnes per household per annum
Areas may be closed when the woody debris level gets low.
To get a permit, contact the Dubbo Forestry Corporation office on 02 6841 4288.
Roadsides
Some firewood collection is allowed from roadsides in the Riverina.
To get a permit, permission is required from either Roads and Maritime Services or the relevant local council.
Travelling Stock Routes
Firewood collection is generally not allowed on travelling stock reserves.
For more information contact Riverina Local Land Services, Wagga Wagga on 02 6932 3232 or Murray Local Land Services, Deniliquin on 03 5880 1400.
Riverina Community Firewood and Home Heating Taskforce
Read the Riverina Community Firewood and Home Heating Taskforce report and the Minister's response (PDF 48KB).