The illegal collection of firewood from Council reserves and roadsides has become a significant issue in the Alexandrina Council region. Generally, the collection of timber for firewood from South Australia’s roadsides and reserves is illegal. Timber collection for firewood purposes is also detrimental to the biodiversity that we need to protect and preserve. Any roadside that contains remnant and/or native vegetation is protected under the Native Vegetation Act 1991.

Fallen trees, branches and dead timber provide shelter, nesting and feeding places for native wildlife and offer protection for small plants that need shelter from the elements or from grazing animals. Hollow logs and dead trees improve the natural habitats for many fauna and flora species and should therefore not be collected for firewood. Fallen leaves or bark should also be retained to stop soil erosion and minimise weed invasions.

Dead timber should not be cleaned up on roadsides, and removal is not permitted unless outlined as necessary for fuel reduction in an approved Bushfire Management Plan, to assist pest control (rabbits, weeds etc.), or to remove timber which is hazardous to traffic or infrastructure. These activities are carried out with in line with this plan by authorised personnel and cannot be undertaken without the permission of Council. Illegal firewood collection can lead to vast damage on trees and habitats.

You can still collect firewood by agreement on private land. If you know someone with a rural property with lots of trees, ask them and they might let you help yourself to some dead wood. Just remember that dead trees and wood are habitat for our native fauna and flora.