May 23rd, 2026Timber up for auction
Timber and firewood businesses will have the opportunity to buy 7000 tonnes of storm debris removed from the Wombat State Forest when DEECA auctions it off in Daylesford on Tuesday, May 26.
Severe storms in 2021 impacted around 45,000 hectares across the forest – with approximately 1600 hectares severely damaged.
Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Vincent White said Forest Fire Management Victoria prioritised managing storm debris and hazardous trees in areas of the forest where they increased bushfire risk and blocked safe access for firefighters.
“A huge number of trees fell in the 2021 storms. Many have been left in the forest to provide habitat and other environmental benefits. We have only removed them where necessary to reduce bushfire and other safety risks,” he said.
“In January 2025, we responded to a fire in the forest near Barkstead where it took first response crews three times longer than usual to create a control line around the fire as they needed to cut a path through storm debris. Now, we are in a much better position to respond to fires quickly, and better protect communities, critical assets and the environment.”
During recovery and bushfire risk reduction works, DEECA carried out biodiversity surveys, protected sensitive areas, restored tracks and assets, managed weeds, replanted native species, and improved habitat through new tree hollows and rope bridges.
Nearly 10,000 tonnes of by-products from the Wombat State Forest were made available to communities as free firewood through the domestic firewood collection program. Using the principles in Victoria’s State Forest By-Products Framework, by-product from storm debris works was moved to free firewood collection sites in the nearby Murray Goldfields region where supply has been limited.
Debris has also been given a second life as plant stakes and wood wool for animal bedding, with root balls being used for fish habitat along streams.
“While the purpose of these forest and fire management works is safety and forest health, the by-products they generate can be useful and have value, and we want to ensure that they’re used by the Victorian community,” Mr White said.
Any income from the sale, after administrative costs are accounted for, will go to Traditional Owners, with options for distribution to be examined in partnership with Traditional Owners.
Where works occur in an area where there is no recognised Traditional Owner group, consideration will be given to directing revenue to a fund for the benefit of First Peoples. Link: forest.by-products@deeca.vic.gov.au
Words: Kyle Barnes
