Grampians firewood thief convicted

Image: A trailer loaded with native timber.

A multi-agency operation targeting firewood theft in State forests north of Ballarat is continuing to disrupt the work of black-market firewood operators.

A Ballarat man has been convicted as an outcome of the operation led by the Conservation Regulator.

The 36-year-old was fined $2,000 by the Ballarat Magistrate’s Court this month for offences relating to the illegal cutting and taking of timber from the Creswick and Glen Park State Forests.

Conversation Regulator Authorised Officers intercepted the man in August last year, after observing him and a co-offender collecting firewood, outside of designated firewood collection areas.

Officers seized a trailer loaded with mixed native hardwood, two chainsaws and a wood splitter, valued at more than $5,000.

The operation is supported by Parks Victoria, Victoria Police and Forest Fire Management Victoria, and was initiated in response to a spike in local illegal firewood activity – including the unlawful cutting, taking, and selling of native timber.

Community reports and intelligence gathered during a 13-month period pointed to a network of offenders behind the illegal activity.

The operation has involved targeted patrols and the use of surveillance technology. This has resulted in court-imposed fines and 14 infringement notices totalling more than $12,000 and seizure of equipment. Investigations are ongoing.

The operation forms part of Taskforce Ironbark, a statewide initiative led by the Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria to disrupt the theft and illegal trade of firewood from Victoria’s public land.

More than 9,000 trees are illegally cut down in Victoria’s State forests, reserves and parks each year, with criminal operators often removing large quantities and selling them to unsuspecting buyers.

Firewood collection from public land for personal use is only permitted in designated areas during the autumn and spring firewood collection seasons.

Quotes attributable to Manager of Regulatory Operations Grampians Brian Hamer:

“'Illegal firewood collection strips wildlife habitat from our forests, removing critical shelter that native species need to survive. We’re continuing to target organised groups who profit from destroying wildlife habitat.”

“Our officers, working alongside Parks Victoria, Victoria Police and Forest Fire Management Victoria, have spent months tracking a network of offenders. This conviction marks another step forward, with further investigative work continuing.”

"Community reporting plays an important role in protecting our native forestry. Suspicious firewood activity can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”