Storm Recovery Operations: Free firewood for residents

Published on 29 July 2021

As part of storm recovery operations, Macedon Ranges Shire Council is making free firewood available to local residents and ratepayers at its transfer stations until at least September 2021.

Angela Hughes, Director Planning and Environment, said storm recovery operations were focused on cleaning up debris, reducing the risk of fire and maximising opportunities for clean-up activities to further support residents.

“As work continues clearing fallen trees from roadsides, public areas and private property, Council has been developing a plan to ensure the best use of excess wood.

“By offering free firewood to residents, cleared debris offers a community benefit, helping residents stay warm next winter,” Ms Hughes said.

Residents and ratepayers must first register their interest, and a booking time will be confirmed for collecting their wood from Council’s transfer stations at Kyneton, Romsey or Woodend. This will ensure safe loading access and improve management of supplies at the transfer stations, while ensuring COVID-19 protocols are followed.

Firewood collection will be a self-load collection service – i.e. what you can load by hand. It is not possible for Council to offer a free loading service.

Council advises that storm firewood will be ‘green’ wood, mainly hardwood of mixed species and grade, and therefore is not suitable for burning this season. Firewood salvaged after recent storms is expected to need to ‘dry’ for at least 12 months before it is suitable for use. People will not be able to ‘order’ a certain type or size of wood. What wood is at each site is what will be available.

Residents need to first express their interest and log a request by calling our customer service team on (03) 5422 0333 or registering online. A Council officer will be in contact to arrange a day and time to collect firewood.

Only one load per day up to 2m3 per household applies under the Victoria Government’s domestic firewood collection regulations. A maximum limit of 16m3 per resident is allowed over the entire collection period. 

Kyneton Transfer Station is at 140 Redesdale Road, Kyneton and Romsey Transfer Station is at 21 Johnston Court, Romsey. Woodend Transfer Station is located at 149 Quarry Road, Woodend.