State Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed met with Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning staff on Wednesday, May 5, to discuss how the Victorian Government could help Barmah residents transition to an alternative fuel source.
“Ms D’Ambrosio has helped secure a team of outreach workers from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Moira Shire and other agencies, to ensure the welfare of Barmah residents is prioritised,” Ms Sheed said.
“DELWP staff said the Barmah community would be prioritised for support by outreach staff to not only help residents secure up to $900 in immediate grants but also help them gain future grants of up to $1000 for transitioning to an electricity system.
“I understand the hardship this firewood ban has imposed on the Barmah community and will be watching closely to ensure the Victorian Government provides these residents with every support necessary from the squad of support workers in the coming months.”
The lack of sites in Northern Victoria included in autumn’s firewood collection season has been condemned by the state opposition — with Gunbower National Park the only approved collection point between Wodonga and Swan Hill, and limited to residents from the Shires of Campaspe, Gannawarra, Loddon, and Swan Hill Rural City Council.
“In our meeting, we discussed the possibility of permits with the minister, but we were told by DELWP staff there was no longer suitable firewood available at Barmah Forest to justify the introduction of such a permit,” Ms Sheed said.
“The minister acknowledged the transition from free firewood use to an electric system is a huge change for Barmah residents and assured me their essential needs would be prioritised by the state government.”
Parks Victoria northern Victoria regional director Daniel McLaughlin said domestic firewood on public land was a limited resource.
“All the available firewood has been collected from allocated domestic firewood collection areas on Barmah Island,” he said.
“Many native mammals, birds, reptiles and insects rely on the remaining fallen timber and tree hollows for shelter and food.”
The autumn collection season ends on June 30 and collection points can be found by visiting ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/find-a-firewood-collection-area
For information about financial assistance visit ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support
Visitors who witness anyone causing damage to park habitat, removing wood or have information about environmental offences can contact Parks Victoria on 131 963 or the Office of the Conservation Regulator on 136 186.
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