Victorians have been warned they could face hefty fines and even jail for illegally collecting firewood from the bush, as authorities crack down on thousands of trees being cut down on public land and sold to unsuspecting customers.
The warning comes after an investigation into the alleged illegal removal of river red gums from in and around the Grampians National Park led authorities to a property at Dunkeld this week.
The Conservation Regulator, supported by Victoria Police, executed a search warrant on Tuesday and seized a utility vehicle, log splitter and chainsaw equipment worth an estimated $30,000.
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It followed officers intercepting the property’s male occupant near the national park on Saturday, when a trailer, two cubic metres of firewood and a chainsaw were seized.
Authorities allege intelligence has linked the illegal removal of timber from public land around the Grampians to firewood being sold in the Dunkeld area.
But the problem extends well beyond a single investigation.
More than 9,000 trees are illegally cut down across Victoria’s state forests, reserves and parks each year, according to the Conservation Regulator, with criminal operators accused of removing commercial quantities before selling the wood to unsuspecting buyers.
“This operation highlights our continued focus on disrupting those suspected of illegally harvesting commercial quantities of firewood for financial gain,” Conservation Regulator Regional Operations Manager Glenn Sharp said.
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Close to 10,000 trees were illegally logged in 2023 in Victoria. Source: DEECA
Aussies urged to question where firewood comes from
Authorities are urging people buying firewood to be wary of sellers who cannot explain where their timber was sourced.
“The community plays an important role in helping protect Victoria’s forests from illegal firewood collection,” Sharp said.
“Suspicious activity, including firewood sellers unable to verify where their wood was sourced, can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers.”
The illegal removal of mature river red gums can also destroy important habitat for native wildlife.
Powerful owls, possums, gliders and bats are among the animals that rely on hollows in mature trees for shelter.
Firewood can only be collected from Victorian public land for personal use in designated areas during the autumn and spring collection seasons.
People suspected of illegally taking firewood can also lose far more than the timber itself.
Authorised officers can seize vehicles, trailers, chainsaws and other equipment allegedly used in firewood offences, while those prosecuted and found guilty can face penalties of up to $10,455 and 12 months in prison.
The Grampians investigation remains ongoing.
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