What a Mess-mate! Alleged firewood thief intercepted at Paddy’s Swamp

On Thursday, 7 August 2025, Forest and Wildlife Officers – with the support of Victoria Police – seized a Mitsubishi Triton utility partially laden with firewood, a Stihl chainsaw and various other items associated with the illegal removal of Messmate Trees (Eucalyptus obliqua) from Paddy’s Swamp in the Otway Forest Park.

In what is believed to be commercial activity, it is alleged that the individual illegally felled four Messmate trees, partially processed the timber for firewood, and loaded it into the utility.

The Otway Forest Park, including Paddy's Swamp, provides crucial habitat for numerous threatened species such as Gang Gang Cockatoos and Swamp Antechinus.

Conservation Regulator’s Taskforce Ironbark will continue to crack down on black market firewood operators who are stealing timber from public land to sell as firewood for commercial gain, with the aim to protect parks and forests from environmental harm.

This investigation is ongoing. Community members who observe suspicious activity in State forests 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 Taskforce Ironbark Brady Childs

'Messmate trees play a vital role in our ecosystem, providing habitat, food and shelter for a wide range of native wildlife, including birds and marsupials'.

'Taskforce Ironbark continues to crack down on black market firewood operators. If you’re caught illegally removing timber from public land for commercial gain, you will be held accountable.'

'We are committed to protecting Victoria’s parks, forests, and biodiversity from the threat of illegal firewood removal, ensuring they remain healthy and intact for future generations.'