News

Firewood fight takes a turn

By Louie Cina

Sep 30, 2026

The Crossing Road Firewood Collection Zone near Mathoura. Photo by Supplied

It might not be a permanent solution, but the southern NSW firewood fighters will be able to collect timber again.

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The catch? It’s only available for a month from a designated gated collection zone in Murray Valley Regional Park near Mathoura.

The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water announced the change on Wednesday morning, saying it had been planned since the closure of the Riverina domestic firewood program, and releasing a schedule for the collection zone’s opening hours.

The Crossing Road Firewood Collection Zone will be open:

Wednesday, September 30 to Wednesday, October 7 between 10am and 5pm.

Wednesday, October 14 to Wednesday, October 21 between 7.30am and 5.30pm.

Wednesday, October 28 to Friday, October 30 between between 7.30am and 5.30pm.

It will be closed at all other times.

A spokesperson for the department said about 300 tonnes of wood had been made available and once it was gone, there would be no further collection permitted at the site.

Those wanting to grab themselves firewood will need a permit, with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service conducting regular patrols to ensure compliance.

To find out more or secure a permit visit tinyurl.com/mw4c9wkh