Crackdown begins on firewood theft

PUBLIC land authorities have announced a crackdown on escalating illegal firewood take and habitat destruction in Victorian parks and forests, which is threatening the survival of native wildlife and Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Last year alone, firewood thieves damaged or destroyed more than 9,200 native trees by clearing roughly 462 hectares of public land in Victoria, with much of the stolen wood sold on to unsuspecting Victorians.

The Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria last week launched Taskforce Ironbark, a joint statewide initiative.

To help buyers recognise reputable firewood sellers and tell if wood has been illegally sourced, they are encouraged

to ask:

Where does your wood come from? They should be able to detail where their wood was sourced

Can I get a receipt? They should provide a tax receipt with a business name and ABN-listed, and

Why is the wood so cheap? If the firewood seems cheaper than similar sellers nearby, ask them why.

Many of the trees targeted by thieves are large, old, slow-growing species that are unlikely to recover or be replenished in this generation or the next.

The illegal felling of these trees directly risks the survival of some of the most threatened native species, including the red-tailed black cockatoo and the brush-tailed phascogale, who rely on hollows in both standing and fallen trees for habitat.

Victoria is also rich with Aboriginal cultural heritage and only a small percentage of historical sites have

been recorded.

Firewood theft has serious potential to damage Aboriginal scarred trees.

Authorised Officers are conducting targeted patrols across public land and using intelligence-gathering methods, such as concealed cameras and community reports, to catch commercial firewood thieves.

Last year, the Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria issued 130 infringement notices and laid more than 220 charges related to habitat destruction and the illegal cut and take of firewood from forests and parks.

In Victoria, it is illegal to cut and take timber from public land without authorisation, and offenders face maximum penalties of more than $9,879 and/or 12 months in prison for

each charge.

“We have seen a rapid rise in firewood-related damage on public land, and native trees are being stolen from Victoria’s forests and parks faster than they can be replaced, leaving our native birds, reptiles, and small mammals without crucial habitat,” Taskforce Ironbark manager Brady Childs said.

“We formed Taskforce Ironbark to disrupt illegal commercial firewood operators and remind all Victorians they play an important role in preserving our forests and parks, protecting wildlife habitats, and reducing the harm associated with firewood theft.”

To report suspicious sellers or firewood theft from public land, phone 136 186.

For more information on responsible sourcing of firewood, head to vic.gov.au/sourcing-firewood