Residents at Friday’s rally said the shutdown of domestic firewood collection would not only hurt those who rely on wood heating, but place unfair pressure on people already struggling with rising costs and long travel distances.
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Deniliquin resident Jill Barnett pointed out that for some, the firewood serves a dual purpose.
“For many people they don’t just have wood heaters but wood stoves, they use the firewood for cooking as well,” she said.
“People are utilising the wood for a double purpose.”
“Really, country people should have access to country areas. It’s totally unfair on people without alternatives for heating.”
Retired resident Murray Trotman said the changes will make firewood collection far more expensive and time consuming.
“They’ve driven us to the wall,” he said.
“They’ve tripled the round trip, out to Barmah - it’s 100km one way.
“Time‑wise it takes significantly longer, and it already takes a long time. I went and got a load, it took all day.
“I’m afraid the managers of our natural reserves aren’t looking after local people.”
Tocumwal retiree Pat Mathers said the decision also impacts on him, as he depends on firewood to stay warm.
“I cut eight metres a year on the farm but if I’m short, I get a permit.
“Without wood we’d have to put electric on, or gas, which is becoming more and more expensive.
“We’re being steered into dependency.”
Mr Mathers said he was grateful the issue was finally being raised publicly.
“Helen Dalton is the first to show us what they’re doing, and truly wants to put a stop to it,” he said.
