{"id":86659,"date":"2026-09-03T02:57:21","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T02:57:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/86659\/"},"modified":"2026-09-03T02:57:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T02:57:21","slug":"10455-fine-warning-after-illegal-discovery-in-back-of-ute-near-aussie-bush","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/86659\/","title":{"rendered":"$10,455 fine warning after illegal discovery in back of ute near Aussie bush"},"content":{"rendered":"

Victorians have been warned they could face hefty fines and even jail for illegally collecting firewood<\/a> from the bush, as authorities crack down<\/a> on thousands of trees being cut down on public land and sold to unsuspecting customers.<\/p>\n

The warning comes after an investigation into the alleged illegal removal of river red gums from in and around the Grampians National Park<\/a> led authorities to a property at Dunkeld this week.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/p>\n

It followed officers intercepting the property’s male occupant near the national park<\/a> on Saturday, when a trailer, two cubic metres of firewood and a chainsaw were seized.<\/p>\n

Authorities allege intelligence has linked the illegal removal of timber from public land around the Grampians to firewood being sold<\/a> in the Dunkeld area.<\/p>\n

But the problem extends well beyond a single investigation.<\/p>\n

More than 9,000 trees are illegally cut down across Victoria’s state forests<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

Do you have a story? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Close<\/p>\n

Close to 10,000 trees were illegally logged in 2023 in Victoria. Source: DEECA<\/p>\n

Aussies urged to question where firewood comes from<\/p>\n

Authorities are urging people buying firewood to be wary of sellers who cannot explain where their timber was sourced.<\/p>\n

“The community plays an important role in helping protect Victoria’s forests from illegal firewood collection,” Sharp said.<\/p>\n

“Suspicious activity, including firewood sellers unable to verify where their wood was sourced, can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers.”<\/p>\n

The illegal removal of mature river red gums can also destroy important habitat for native wildlife.<\/p>\n

Powerful owls, possums, gliders and bats are among the animals that rely on hollows in mature trees for shelter.<\/p>\n

Firewood can only be collected from Victorian public land for personal use in designated areas during the autumn and spring collection seasons.<\/p>\n

People suspected of illegally taking firewood<\/a> can also lose far more than the timber itself.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Grampians investigation remains ongoing.<\/p>\n

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