Heavy penalties for illegal firewood

Warnings of heavy penalties for illegally sourcing firewood have been issued by the Conservation Regulator and Park Victoria.
People that buy firewood should also take steps to ensure it has been acquired legally.
Buyers should ask sellers for details of where the wood came from, make sure they receive a tax receipt with a business name and ABN.
The Conservation Regulator and Park Victoria said firewood is often sold on social media websites, at roadside stalls and by word of mouth making it difficult for customers to know where the wood came from.
Firewood for personal use can only be taken from approved areas during autumn and spring collection periods and limited to no more than two cubic metres with offenders liable for a maximum penalty of $9087 or one year imprisonment.
Individuals could also face an additional $9087 fine for destruction of wildlife habitat and vehicles and equipment such as chainsaws and trailers could also be seized and forfeited on conviction.