Where does your wood come from?

When it comes to sourcing firewood, most Victorians do the right thing.

But, did you know that Victoria’s precious trees such as Red River Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) are being cut down for firewood and then illegally sold on places like Facebook marketplace and Gumtree?

Parks Victoria estimate this winter alone, over 3000 trees have been illegally cut down in parks and forests across Victoria, including a 350–400-year-old Red River Gum.

“These ancient and remarkable trees provide important habitat for native or endangered nesting birds, mammals and reptiles they also carry cultural significance for Traditional Owners,” a spokesperson said.

Parks Victoria, the Conservation Regulator, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Victoria Police work together to curb this destructive behaviour. Anyone caught illegally felling or taking timber can face a fine of up to $9,246 and/or a year in prison, as well as risk losing the items used to commit offences, such as chainsaws, vehicles and other associated equipment.

Parks Victoria need your help, as illegal firewood theft is a statewide problem.

They are requesting if your purchase firewood, you ensure you are not inadvertently supporting this behaviour by asking your supplier the following:

– Where does your wood come from? It should be sourced from a wholesale supplier, commercial wood lot or private land with the permission of the landowner.

– Can I get a receipt? If your firewood merchant won’t provide a tax receipt with a business name and ABN listed, you should wonder why.

– Why is the wood so cheap? If you’re buying firewood through social media websites, ask your supplier why.

– If they can’t answer these questions, it could be because it has been obtained illegally from public land such as national parks or state forests.

Parks Victoria encourage people to report any suspicious behaviour to 13 19 63.