There has been a massive increase in firewood collection areas in East Gippsland.

State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said over recent weeks there had been a number of constituents expressing concern over the limited amount of firewood collection areas made available to the public compared to recent years.

"It was clear people were having trouble not just accessing firewood, but some of the tracks in the areas marked were difficult to access in two wheel drive cars given the wet conditions.

"Working directly with Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith and DSE regional manager, Mike Timpano and local DSE staff, I feel we have been able to achieve a much more acceptable result as far as public collection areas are concerned.

"The increase in area of around 80 per cent opens up a range of options.

"Maps showing the new vastly expanded areas have now been printed are available this week at DSE offices, shire business centres and my office, so I encourage firewood collectors to pick up one of the new maps which show the massive increases in area available."

Mr Bull said the maps also now had roads and tracks clearly marked to assist collectors.

14 May 2012