Another alleged firewood thief comes un-stuck in Reedy Lake sequel

Conservation Regulator authorised officers worked with Parks Victoria and Victoria Police to seize the equipment on Thursday 24 July, after the driver became bogged while driving a rented vehicle off-road at around 5 am at Reedy Lake.

The confiscated tandem trailer was loaded with recently cut River Red Gum timber, and another freshly felled River Red Gum was nearby.

The incident follows the interception of another Melton man twice on 2 July for felling River Red Gums at Reedy Lake.

River Red Gums - whether alive or dead - are vital to our environment and protected under law; it is an offence to cut them down. Dead, standing River Red Gums provide critical roosting habitat for some of our most threatened species, such as the White-bellied Sea Eagle.

This case forms part of the Conservation Regulator’s targeted focus on the illegal take of firewood for commercial purposes, as part of Taskforce Ironbark. Taskforce Ironbark is a state-wide initiative, led by the Conservation Regulator in partnership with Parks Victoria, aiming to crack down on commercial firewood thieves.

If community members observe suspicious firewood activity, they are urged to call 136 186. Reports can be made anonymously. For more information, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/sourcing-firewood(opens in a new window)

Quotes attributable to Conservation Regulator, Manager Regulatory Operations, Hume, Greg Chant:

'We are working with Parks Victoria and Victoria Police to disrupt illegal firewood harvesting across Victoria and prevent further damage to this ecologically and culturally significant area.'

'The message to black market firewood operators is that if you’re caught illegally harvesting timber from public land for commercial sale, you will be held accountable for the environmental damage, and risk facing prosecution and losing your vehicles and equipment.'