The opening of a temporary firewood collection zone may have been well received by some, but for others it’s only added fuel to the firewood-fight fire.
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The decision to end the Riverina Firewood Collection program caused a big stir when it was announced in August, leading a determined group of locals to start rallying the NSW Government to reverse their call.
One of the informal movement’s loudest voices is former Murary River Council councillor and Mathoura resident Thomas Weyrich, who called the temporary collection zone “insulting”.
Tom Weyrich has helped organise a protest against the decision in Mathoura on October 31.
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“(Ending the collection program) is a significant change to the way we live,” Mr Weyrich said.
“Houses in Mathoura don’t have access to natural gas like they do in surrounding towns, and with power prices high, firewood is how many families get through winter.
“Sure, with this new collection zone a few families may be able to secure wood for next year, but what about the year after, and the year after that?
NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton agreed, calling for a more permanent fix.
“They’ve put out 300 tonnes of wood,” Ms Dalton said.
“If they’re expecting people to be able to stock up for winter, I’m not sure what they’re thinking because my house goes through around a tonne of wood a year.
“This is not a solution, I want to see a long-term plan, not quick fixes which were promised when they announced the decision to end the program.”
The independent MP said decisions about the community’s natural resources should be made by the community themselves.
NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton has called for natural resource management to be in community hands.
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“This is a policy made by people who have zero understanding of what living out here is like,” Ms Dalton said.
“Canberra, Sydney, you can stay where you are, let us manage our natural resources; we also really care about the environment, and we’ll do it much better.”
In response to questions about whether anyone from the affected areas had been involved in the decision-making process to end the collection program, a spokesperson from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service said local NPWS staff and members of the West Branch Regional Advisory Committee were consulted.
The committee is responsible for most of the west of the state and consists of 12 to 17 members who provide advice on matters relating to their local national parks - covering an area of almost 300,000 square kilometres.
The spokesperson said as well as the temporary collection zone, residents could continue to access firewood through state forests and commercial operators.
“Firewood collection in the Murray Valley and Murrumbidgee Valley national parks will end as supplies of fallen timber are running out, putting increasing pressure on the native species which rely on it for shelter, nesting, food and protection,” the spokesperson said.
“To help people through the transition, NPSW has extended the 2026 collection season until October 30 and increased the household limit from six to eight tonnes.
“We understand firewood is an important source of heating for many regional families and are committed to supporting communities through this change.”
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