Illegal firewood crackdown underway

A clamp down on people that illegally take firewood from public land and forests and those that buy illegally sourced wood is underway in Victoria.
At the launch of Taskforce Ironbark by the Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria, warnings were issued that offenders face fines of up to $9879 and 12 months prison on each charge and that chainsaws, trailers and vehicles used in illegally collecting firewood can be seized.
Authorities say many people unintentionally buy illegally sourced wood, often through online marketplaces, roadside stalls and by word of mouth.
The action, now underway, also focuses on educating Victorians on what they should ask to help determine if the wood they are buying has been obtained legally.
People should seek details of where the wood has come from, get a tax receipt containing a business name and ABN number and, if the wood is "cheap" compared to other supplies on the market, ask why.
Taskforce Ironbark manager Brady Childs, with the Conservation Regulator, said there had been a rapid rise in firewood collecting damage in state forests and parks that destroyed vital habitat for native species.
Last year alone, more than 9200 trees were destroyed or damaged, equating to clearing an area of about 462 hectares.
The arrival of winter and cost of living pressures is expected to increase demand for cheap firewood this year.
Parks Victoria and the Conservation Regulator said many of the trees targeted by individuals and syndicates were large, old, slow growing species that were unlikely to recover or be replenished in the next couple of generations.
They said authorised officers were conducting patrols across public land and using intelligence-gathering methods such as concealed cameras and community reports to catch firewood thieves.
Last year 130 infringement notices were issued and more than 220 charges laid related to habitat destruction and illegal cutting and taking of firewood.
People suspicious of such activity should report it by calling 136 186.