Golden Plains Shire Council is looking to strengthen its position against roadside firewood collection, with a new draft local law increasing penalties.
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Residents have until noon on Tuesday to comment on the draft Local Law No. 2, which also covers several council functions - amongst them, the number of animals allowed to be kept on a property without a permit, and the use of motorbikes on private properties in daylight hours.
There is no current local law against roadside firewood collection, only the Department of Land, Water, Environment, and Planning firewood collection process.
In a statement, a Golden Plains spokesperson said roadside collection was dangerous for people, harmful to wildlife, and could lead to more fuel for bushfires.
"The removal of firewood from roadsides can be detrimental to the animals who use large pieces of timber for protection and the removal of large timbers creates more area for fine fuels to be present. Fine fuels are a major factor in the spread of fire," they said.
"In recent years, there has been a slight increase in reports of illegal firewood collection however Council officers have observed more signs of illegal vegetation removal than has been reported by the public, including recently cut trees on roadsides."
To have your say on the draft local law, visit the website.
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