Understanding firewood collection management in our Shire

Published on Tuesday, 1 September 2026 at 10:00:00 AM

Background Information – where did this start?

At the Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) held in August 2026, Cr Anita Lindemann brought forward an Elected Member Motion seeking to further understand the management of firewood collection within the Shire.

Noting that the regulation of firewood collection primarily sits with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions (DBCA), the motion seeks to explore what role local government may have in supporting positive environmental outcomes.

Councillor Comments

Councillor Anita Lindemann:

Our environment is one of our community's greatest assets, and I think most people would agree we have a responsibility to care for it while also recognising the practical needs of local residents. As we continue to learn more about the issue, my hope is that we can find an appropriate balance between community needs and environmental stewardship for the long term.

I've observed increasing firewood collection in non-designated areas and have heard from community members who are concerned about the potential impacts on vegetation, wildlife habitat and other environmentally sensitive areas. At the same time, many households across the South West rely on firewood for heating, and we know the cost of obtaining it from approved sources continues to rise.

I brought this motion forward because I believe it's important that we start the conversation now and ask the question: How might we manage this into the future? It’s a complex issue with no simple solution, but in starting the conversation, we can ensure that we have a clear understanding of the issue, the available evidence, and the approaches being taken elsewhere before considering any future options.

As the saying goes, “nature can do without us, but we can't do without it.”

Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy:

Council recognises these concerns are important to our community, and we have an important role in advocating for outcomes that protect these values. This is also supported by our ongoing commitment to supporting a healthy and sustainable natural environment.

Our role is to listen, understand the issue and work with the right agencies and the community to achieve the best possible outcome. We’re taking a measured approach, and will continue looking into the issue further – any future decisions will be informed by evidence, community needs and practical considerations.

Our Values – why does it matter?

Our natural environment is one of the Shire's most valued assets and plays an important role in supporting our lifestyle, economy and sense of place. Consideration of this issue reflects a number of community priorities, including:

  • Protecting native flora, fauna and habitats.
  • Preserving the natural landscapes that make our region unique.
  • Supporting sustainable land management for future generations.
  • Recognising the needs of residents who rely on firewood for home heating.

The discussion also acknowledged reports of environmental impacts associated with firewood collection in some areas, including vegetation disturbance, habitat loss, informal vehicle tracks and impacts on sensitive environmental sites.

Next Steps – what has Council decided?

Council supported Cr Lindemann's motion, and Shire staff will now look into how other local governments are responding to similar challenges.

Importantly, no changes to current arrangements have been proposed or approved at this time. This is an investigation only, with a focus on gathering information, reviewing approaches used elsewhere, and identifying any potential options that may be available to Council in the future.

This is the first step in exploring a complex issue, with the aim of better understanding how environmental protection and community access to firewood can be balanced into the future. Findings, suggestions, and any other related information will be reported back to Council for consideration at the OCM scheduled for October 2026.

Refer to the Minutes for the August OCM to see the full report for this subject.

View Past Council Meeting Documents

For current information and requirements for firewood collection, refer to the DBCA website.

Firewood Collection - DPAW (DBCA)

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