A patrol of Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers, Forest Fire Management Victoria crews and Parks Victoria rangers are staking out state forests, parks and reserves to put a stop to anyone attempting to take firewood illegally.
It’s in an attempt to stop the illegal collection which can drastically affect the state’s threatened native wildlife which continue to see numbers fall.
Victorians are being urged to responsibly source firewood this spring collection to protect species which rely on large tree hollows for nesting, which are trees known to be targeted by illegal collectors.
The removal of these trees greatly impacts the survival of endangered animals such as the Greater Glider, the critically endangered Leadbeater’s Possum, south-eastern Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, and Regent Parrots.
By sticking to designated firewood collection areas, Victorians can play an important part in protecting the species found only in Victoria, which have crucial nesting sites around outer Melbourne and throughout state forests.
Kate Gavens, Chief Conservation Regulator said forest regions are home to a diverse range species that rely on the responsibly sourcing our firewood.
“This spring, we know Victorians will be gathering their firewood, but it’s crucial that people follow the rules and don’t damage the forest homes of native wildlife to heat their own,” she said.
Officers can issue infringement notices of up to $740 to those caught breaking the rules, and serious offences can result in maximum penalties of $9,246 or up to a year in prison. If it’s suspected of being linked to an illegal commercial operation, officers may also seize chainsaws, trailers and vehicles.
From May to November 2021, 290 infringement notices for illegally removing firewood were issued across Victoria with fines totalling $84,278.
Mark Breguet, Manager Enforcement and Regulatory Services, Parks Victoria said, illegal firewood collection impacts generations to come.
“National and State Parks are Victoria’s most iconic natural areas, and the illegal removal of firewood causes impacts that last for generations. It is critical for the protection of these areas that people only gather firewood for domestic purposes and from designated Firewood Collection Areas,” he said.
The Conservation Regulator encourages the community to assist by reporting any suspected illegal firewood collection on 136 186.
The spring firewood season, which runs until the end of November, is one of two firewood collection seasons across the state, helping Victorians access free firewood in designated areas.
For details of where, when and what firewood can be collected, visit: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region
Financial support is available for people who rely on firewood for heating or cooking. To find out if you are eligible, visit: https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support
