Rebekha Sharkie MP calls for change in firewood regulations as prices spiral out of control

An MP has called on the SA government to rethink firewood rules amid fears people will forgo heating their homes this winter. Take our poll.

A local MP fears people will forgo heating their homes this winter because “they simply can’t afford it”, and is calling on the state government to rethink current firewood regulations.

Rebekha Sharkie, member for Mayo, is urging the Malinauskas government to explain why South Australia remains the only state in the country where people cannot obtain a permit to collect wood for their own use, instead having to cough up close to $600 per tonne.

Ms Sharkie said she is concerned prices for firewood are spiralling out of control and believes steps should be taken to “explore the options provided in other states”.

“We’re the only state that doesn’t have a system where people can go and pay a small fee, get a permit and access firewood in our state forests,” she said.

“I worry that people are going to forego heating their home because they simply just cannot afford it anymore.

“I am most concerned about the elderly and families on low fixed incomes not having the finances to keep the house warm this winter. We know that the cost of living is hurting everywhere. Winters can be quite harsh in the hills and I think we’re in for a long, cold winter.”

She said there clearly would be ways that seasoned dry wood collection could be regulated and responsibly sourced and burned.

“Wood is also the most sustainable form of energy and in the hills, where it is normally four degrees below the Adelaide Plains. It is an excellent way to keep warm, but with prices around $600 per tonne – out of reach for many – perhaps we explore the options provided in other states,” she said.

Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie believes South Australia should have the same firewood regulations as other states in the country. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“I am confident we could follow the lead of Victoria or New South Wales and ensure that such collection is monitored and not damaging to the environment.”

Other states in the country have regulations in place allowing people with permits to collect trees – or parts of trees – that are already on the ground, but prohibit the cutting down or breaking off of standing trees.

The Victorian government also bans the collection of trees that are “clearly hollow” or if more than half the tree is covered with moss or fungi because the trees are “important for the life of the forest”.

South Australia remains the only state in the country where people cannot obtain a permit to collect wood for their own use. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Firewood collectors are reminded of the importance to not take wood within 20m of any rivers, creeks, lakes or dams and to protect native animals and plants, as well as respect cultural heritage sites.

“If there’s a tree that’s come down, why are we not allowing people to be able to access that so they can affordably heat their homes?,” Ms Sharkie said.

“I think the state government needs to answer why it is that we can’t have a regulated system like they have in Victoria. It’s a great shame that we don’t have that in South Australia

“I’d like to think that people aren’t going to go cold this winter and maybe we can look at what other states do.”