Year in review 2025–2026

We take a graduated and proportionate approach to regulation. We focus on encouraging compliance with the law through engagement and education, helping people understand the risks and impacts of illegal activities on Victoria’s forests and wildlife.

We actively monitor compliance and investigate alleged breaches of the law. Where necessary, we take enforcement action to protect Victoria’s wildlife, biodiversity and public land for the benefit of current and future generations.

Our work is delivered in partnership with Victorian communities, Traditional Owners, land managers, co‑regulators and other stakeholders. By working together, we support stronger compliance and achieve better conservation outcomes.

Our mission

To be an effective, trusted, best practice regulator.

Our vision

To create and maintain liveable, inclusive, sustainable communities and thriving natural environments.

Our regulatory outcomes

We regulate to achieve 3 key outcomes:

• equitable and safe access to public land and use of natural resources
• protected natural and heritage values
• sustainable communities – social, economic, and environmental.

Our regulatory priorities

We focus our regulatory effort where it can make the biggest difference for Victoria’s wildlife, biodiversity, and public land. To do this, we use a state‑wide information gathering and risk assessment process to understand where the greatest risks and harms are occurring.

2025–2027 regulatory priorities

illegal fires on public land

illegal take of firewood

cruelty to wildlife

protection of threatened species

illegal vehicle use

This process draws on data, intelligence and on‑the‑ground insights to identify patterns of non‑compliance, emerging risks and trends over time. It helps us decide where targeted education, monitoring and enforcement will have the greatest impact.

In 2025, we adopted a 2‑year priority cycle, reflecting our increased intelligence gathering maturity and capability, allowing us to implement longer‑term strategies while providing greater certainty to the community and stakeholders about our regulatory focus.

While we regulate across all our responsibilities, these priorities guide where we focus our strategic effort to protect Victoria’s environment and support safe, responsible use of public land.

The 2025–2027 priorities reflect areas where illegal or harmful activities can have significant and lasting impacts on forests, wildlife and threatened species, as well as on the safe and sustainable enjoyment of public land. The priorities also reflect that Victorians are increasingly getting out into Victoria’s great outdoors, and the importance of the Conservation Regulator supporting education, monitoring and, where necessary enforcement.

Overview of our regulatory approach – our compliance and enforcement approach

We focus our efforts on the issues that pose the greatest risk to Victoria’s biodiversity, wildlife and public land. This enables us to use our resources more effectively and focus our efforts where they will have the greatest positive impact on the environment and the community.

When deciding where to focus our work, we consider:

• the level of risk that non-compliance poses to the outcomes we are trying to achieve
• our ability to reduce these risks
• the most effective use of our resources.

We recognise that it is not always practical or appropriate to respond to every suspected breach of the law. Instead, we concentrate our efforts where there is the greatest potential harm, and where our actions can most effectively reduce that risk.

Our response is guided by the circumstances of each situation. We consider factors such as whether non‑compliance was deliberate, repeated or unintentional, as well as the impact of the behaviour. Depending on the situation, our response may range from providing information and advice to help people understand and meet their obligations, through to stronger enforcement action such as fines, licence or permit cancellations, or prosecution for serious offences.

We monitor compliance to help prevent harm to the environment wherever possible. Monitoring also helps us detect illegal activity and reinforces the importance of following the law. We place strong emphasis on prevention — working through media, education and engagement with stakeholders to raise awareness of regulatory requirements, support responsible behaviour, and encourage the community to report suspected wildlife and forest crimes.

Our impact at a glance

Engagement and education

• 251,236 visits to our website
• 949 news mentions of conservation regulator
• 9,507,887 social media views
• 198 social media posts
• 6,464 calls and emails concerning wildlife
• 25 engagement events attended
• 6 new documents published to support education and compliance
• 16,587 licences and permits issued or renewed

Enforcement

• 956 charges laid
• 26 offenders prosecuted
• 9 offenders convicted
• 336 proactive patrols on public land
• 5 operations targeting identified priority areas and high environmental risks
• 324 infringements issued
• 157 official warnings

Impact

• 17% increase wildlife-related enquiries
• 18% increase charges laid
• 90% new permission applications submitted online
• 1,292 people engaged: operation save our hoodies
• Significant increase in engagement across platforms

Illegal fires on public land

Bushfires are one of Victoria’s most serious natural hazards. Illegal fires on public land can put lives at risk, damage parks and forests, harm wildlife and their habitat, and place pressure on emergency services. That’s why preventing and responding to illegal fires remains one of our regulatory priorities for 2025–2027.

2 offenders successfully prosecuted.

Bushfire risk increases over summer (November to April), especially in high visitation areas such as the Grampians, alpine regions and Cape Otway. Reports of illegal fires on public land increased over the peak period, reflecting increased patrol activity by our authorised officers during high-risk days and busy school holiday periods, which improved detection rates.

Our work combines education with compliance. We run targeted patrols during high-risk periods, deliver community education, and use data to identify hotspots needing extra attention. We work closely with Forest Fire Management Victoria, Parks Victoria and Traditional Owners, and partner with Victoria Police in known high-risk areas for deliberate ignitions.

Help keep people, wildlife, and public land safe

Before you light a fire:

• check if fires are allowed where you are
• follow any restrictions
• never leave a campfire unattended
• fully extinguish fires with water until the coals are cold to the touch.

Preventing illegal music events during high fire risk periods

Working closely with Victoria Police, Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers intercepted two unauthorised music events in regional Victoria during January 2026. One event, held in bushland near Ballan, attracted an estimated 1,000 attendees and presented significant safety, public amenity, and fire risks. A second event planned near Glenluce, south of Castlemaine, was cancelled after Authorised Officers warned organisers of potential enforcement action, including prosecution and seizure of equipment.

Events of this scale require permits under the Forests Act 1958, along with comprehensive safety, environmental and traffic management planning. Unauthorised events typically operate without adequate fire safety measures, emergency access or evacuation planning, placing attendees, surrounding communities and emergency services at risk. The Conservation Regulator can seize equipment and pursue court action, with penalties for serious offences including substantial fines and imprisonment.

Illegal events in State forests pose serious risks during periods of elevated fire danger, particularly when emergency services are already stretched by response and recovery efforts. By intervening early and holding organisers accountable, we help reduce risk to people, protect forests and wildlife, and ensure emergency resources remain available where they are needed most.

Enforcement in action – Fines for Dandenong North man

On 1 April 2025, a 41-year old man was convicted and fined $5,000 in the Mansfield Magistrates’ Court after lighting a fire on Boxing Day 2024 on a Total Fire Ban day at Blue Gum Campground, within Delatite Arm Reserve, on Lake Eildon.

The Magistrate remarked on the man’s “blatant disregard” for the Total Fire Ban and the seriousness of potential consequences, describing the man’s attitude to the fire restrictions as “appalling”. Under total fire ban conditions, lighting fires in the open air is illegal as it puts lives, property, and the environment at serious risk.

The outcome reinforces the importance of Victoria’s fire restrictions and our ongoing work with the Country Fire Authority and Forest Fire Management Victoria. Together, we are helping to ensure fire safety rules are followed and that individuals are held accountable when they breach the law, supporting safer communities during high risk fire periods.

Illegal take of firewood

Illegal firewood collection continues to cause widespread harm in Victoria’s forests, damaging vital wildlife habitat, and putting biodiversity and cultural heritage at risk.

When tree and logs are taken unlawfully from public land, the loss goes far beyond the physical material – these elements support entire ecosystems, offering food, nesting sites and protection for our native species. Illegal collection can also threaten Aboriginal cultural heritage, including scarred trees and other significant sites that hold deep cultural value. It can cause public safety risks and disrupt legitimate firewood markets.

Some of the most affected areas are the river red gum ecosystems along the Murray, Goulburn, and Loddon Rivers. Ongoing monitoring has revealed patterns of habitat removal in these regions, impacting species such as the superb parrot, Murray cod and winged peppercress.

Each year, an estimated 9,200 trees are illegally felled in Victoria’s parks, forests and reserves, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

We are determined to disrupt illegal operators who remove commercial quantities of firewood from public land and sell it to unsuspecting buyers. To tackle this issue, our approach balances community education, targeted enforcement and partnership with local agencies. We continue strengthening surveillance in high‑risk zones, running joint operations and sharing clear information about legal firewood collection.

Legal firewood collection

Victorians can continue to collect firewood legally during the designated autumn and spring seasons, but only for personal use and only from approved collection areas. Before collecting, the public is encouraged to visit the Forest Fire Management Victoria website for up‑to‑date maps and permitted locations.

Visit Sourcing firewood(opens in a new window)

Report suspicious firewood activity

Call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
Visit Crime Stoppers(opens in a new window)

Taskforce Ironbark

Taskforce Ironbark was established in 2023 to deliver coordinated patrols, intelligence gathering and public awareness campaigns, supporting our efforts to reduce firewood theft and protect critical habitats.

In its first year of operation the taskforce focused on building the intelligence, systems and partnerships needed to support a coordinated regulatory response. In its second year, this groundwork enabled a shift to more targeted, intelligence‑led operations, with officers working alongside partner agencies to detect, investigate and disrupt organised, commercial illegal activity, execute search warrants, seize equipment and bring offenders before the courts – demonstrating a stronger, more visible enforcement presence and a clear crackdown on illegal operators.

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious firewood activity by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, with reports able to be made anonymously. More information about sourcing firewood legally is available online.

Reedy Lake

An incident that underscored this commitment to decisive action of Taskforce Ironbark occurred at Reedy Lake Wildlife Reserve, northwest of Nagambie, where targeted patrols led to the interception of a Melton man on two separate occasions in a single day for alleged illegal firewood offences.

During the first interception, Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers observed the man actively cutting a recently felled dead river red gum tree on the dry lakebed. He admitted to felling and processing the tree for firewood.

As a result, officers advised that infringement notices would be issued for unlawful tree felling in a Wildlife Reserve, operating a vehicle off road on public land, and the illegal cutting and removal of timber from public land.

He was directed to unload the timber and warned that any further offending could result in the seizure of equipment. Later that same evening, the offender returned to the reserve under the cover of darkness. With assistance from Victoria Police, Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers intercepted his vehicle towing a tandem trailer loaded with freshly-cut river red gum timber. On this occasion, officers seized the trailer, the timber and a chainsaw. Investigations are ongoing, and the man is expected to face court over alleged firewood related offences. River red gum trees – whether living or dead – play a vital role in Victoria’s ecosystems and are protected under law. Dead, standing river red gums provide critical roosting and nesting habitat for some of the state’s most threatened species, including the white bellied sea eagle. Illegal removal of this timber can have long-lasting impacts on wildlife and the health of riverine environments.

Visit Sourcing firewood(opens in a new window)

Report suspicious firewood activity

Call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
Visit Crime Stoppers(opens in a new window)

Disrupting organised illegal harvesting of native vegetation

Operation Europium demonstrates how intelligence‑led enforcement can disrupt organised illegal activity and protect sensitive environments.

Commencing in 2023, the investigation targeted a suspected long‑term operation involving the illegal harvesting of native tea tree from the Otways that was sold on as fencing stakes for tens of thousands of dollars. Tea tree habitats in the Otways provide critical shelter and food for native wildlife including birds such as the vulnerable rufous bristlebird, and small mammals and reptiles that rely on the dense vegetation.

Through targeted surveillance and intelligence- gathering, including the use of tracking devices, Authorised Officers identified multiple harvest sites and gained critical insight into how the operation was being conducted. This work culminated in charges being laid in May 2024 and the matter was heard in court in 2026.

The court found that 2 offenders had illegally cleared native vegetation across several protected areas in the Otways and sold more than 13,000 tea tree stakes for approximately $30,000. The investigation also resulted in the seizure of vehicles, equipment and stock prepared for sale. In sentencing, the Magistrate described the offending as serious environmental crime, noting the deliberate and organised nature of the activity and the damage caused to wildlife habitat.

Enforcement in action – Otway Forest Park tree felling

In August 2025, Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers detected a vehicle parked on an illegal track deep within the Otway Forest Park.

What followed revealed the illegal felling of 4 messmate trees, including hollow-bearing trees critical to wildlife survival. In total, 31 logs had been cut and loaded, causing direct and lasting damage to a protected forest ecosystem.

The offender pleaded guilty in the Geelong Magistrates Court in April 2026 to multiple charges, including cutting trees in a State forest, damaging wildlife habitat and using a vehicle off-road. The court imposed a $10,000 fine with conviction, reflecting the seriousness of the conduct and the broader environmental harm caused.

The felled trees included hollow‑bearing logs that provide critical habitat for native wildlife within the Otway Forest Park, including the gang gang cockatoo and swamp antechinus which are threatened species.

Magistrate Franz Holzer highlighted aggravating factors including the use of an illegal track and attempts to conceal the tree cuts, noting that without an early guilty plea, a jail sentence would have been likely. The sentencing sent a clear message: personal convenience is never an excuse for environmental harm, and breaches of forest laws will be taken seriously by the courts.

Enforcement in action – Wandong night-time firewood thieves

A 41 year old Diamond Creek man appeared in the Seymour Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 11 December 2025, where he pleaded guilty to 3 charges relating to the illegal felling and taking of timber from public land for sale on the black market. He was fined $4,500.

In the early hours of Monday 14 July 2025, Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers, with assistance from Victoria Police, intercepted the man and another alleged offender loading freshly cut timber into a trailer in bushland near Wandong, southeast of Broadford.

Officers located an operation illuminated by portable flood lighting. Trees in the area had been pre-marked with reflective spray paint to enable finding in the darkness, and equipment included two chainsaws, felling wedges and wood splitters. A recently-felled native tree was located nearby, with a stump approximately half a metre in diameter surrounded by more than 90 pieces of cut and split timber.

The man told officers he was collecting firewood to heat his home; however, analysis of his phone activity indicated he was selling commercial firewood through social media.

The interception followed an investigation into the illegal removal of a large number of trees from Wandong Regional Park and Mount Disappointment State Forest.

In sentencing, Magistrate Vaughan said the court must “take a dim view” of such offending, noting it causes “irreparable damage to nature and the environment”.

Enforcement in action – Grampians firewood thief convicted

A multi-agency operation focused on state forests north of Ballarat was launched after intelligence and community reporting pointed to a network of offenders involved in the unlawful cutting, removal and sale of native timber.

Led by the Conservation Regulator and supported by Parks Victoria, Victoria Police and Forest Fire Management Victoria, over the course of 13 months the operation used targeted patrols and surveillance technology to detect illegal activity.

These efforts resulted in multiple enforcement outcomes, including court‑imposed fines, the issuing of 14 infringement notices totalling more than $12,000, and the seizure of equipment used in offending. Investigations connected to the operation remain ongoing.

In one case at the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court, a 36‑year‑old Ballarat man was fined $2,000 for offences relating to the illegal cutting and taking of timber from the Creswick and Glen Park State Forests. Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers intercepted the man in August last year after observing him and a co‑offender collecting firewood outside designated firewood collection areas. During the interception, officers seized a trailer loaded with mixed native hardwood, along with two chainsaws and a wood splitter, collectively valued at more than $5,000.

Cruelty to wildlife

Cruelty to wildlife causes harm to individual animals and can have wider impacts on wildlife populations.

We investigate reports of harm, taking enforcement action, and working with partners and the community to promote respectful and lawful treatment of wildlife.

Cruelty to wildlife can occur in the wild or in captive settings. To help prevent cruelty in wildlife keeping, we have developed how-to-comply guides to provide wildlife licence holders with information about their obligations and why they exist. The Private Wildlife Licence Guide and Wildlife Controller Licence Guide were finalised in 2025–2026, and 5 how to comply guides are now available for licence holders (See Key publications).

We also published the Living with wildlife webpage, which outlines reasonable precautions to avoid wildlife harm, including disturbance.

In 2025–2026, we investigated 20 reports of wildlife cruelty, laid 20 charges following an investigation into the deaths of wombats in Venus Bay and continued work to prevent wildlife trafficking.

Visit Private Wildlife Licence Guide
Visit Wildlife Controller Licence Guide
Visit Living with wildlife

Enforcement in action – South east Victoria wombat killings

In July 2025, a South Gippsland man was charged with 20 offences under the Wildlife Act 1975 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 following an investigation into the deaths of 9 wombats at Venus Bay. The charges relate to alleged conduct that was a senseless and deliberate act of animal cruelty.

The charges followed an extensive investigation by the Conservation Regulator and Victoria Police into the deaths, which occurred in February 2025. All wildlife in Victoria is protected by law, and it is illegal to hunt, take, destroy, injure or interfere with wildlife without authorisation.

This case highlights our role in investigating and prosecuting serious acts of wildlife cruelty, particularly where deliberate harm is alleged.

This case is currently before the courts. It also reinforces the importance of community reporting in supporting investigations and protecting Victoria’s native animals. The Conservation Regulator encourages anyone with information about wildlife cruelty to report it to Crime Stoppers Victoria in 1800 333 000, with reports able to be made anonymously.

Report cruelty to wildlife

Call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
Visit Crime Stoppers(opens in a new window)

Enforcement in action – $9,000 in fines for wildlife crimes

A Conservation Regulator investigation this year has highlighted the serious consequences of illegal wildlife activity, with a Melbourne man fined $9,000 following prosecution in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.

The 30-year-old pleaded guilty to 10 offences under the Crimes Act 1958, Wildlife Act 1975, Wildlife Regulations 2024 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, including illegal wildlife trade, fraud and animal cruelty. He was fined without conviction.

The offences occurred between December 2023 and September 2024, during which the man falsely claimed to hold an advanced wildlife licence to acquire approximately 50 reptiles from across Victoria and interstate.

Investigators found he used 3 licences – one belonging to another person and 2 fraudulent – to obtain species including blue-tongued lizards, Boyd’s forest dragons, central netted dragons, desert skinks and a monitor lizard.

In June 2025, Authorised Officers executed a search warrant at a commercial premises in Springvale, where they discovered reptiles being kept in poor conditions, lacking appropriate ultraviolet lighting and temperature controls essential for their welfare. Officers also found an albino olive python suffering from significant burns that had not received proper veterinary care.

The animal was seized and treated.

In sentencing, the Magistrate highlighted the offender’s disregard for Victoria’s wildlife licensing laws and reinforced that anyone keeping animals has a clear responsibility to provide appropriate care.

The case formed part of Operation Pike, a major multi-agency investigation into the illegal import, export and trade of wildlife in Victoria, led by the Conservation Regulator with support from Victoria Police and the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Addressing wildlife trafficking and illegal trade

Wildlife trafficking is a serious form of cruelty that causes significant harm to individual animals and poses broader risks to biodiversity, biosecurity and community confidence in wildlife protection. Animals involved in illegal trade are often subjected to poor handling, transport and confinement, resulting in injury, distress or death.

We play a key role in investigating and responding to wildlife trafficking in Victoria, including the illegal taking, keeping, buying or selling of native wildlife, as well as involvement in the trade of exotic species.

The Conservation Regulator targets wildlife trafficking through intelligence-led investigations, strategic partnerships and enforcement action. We have recorded a 254 per cent increase in wildlife-related crime reports over the past 5 years, highlighting both the scale of the issue and increasing community awareness of wildlife crime.

Intelligence-led action against organised wildlife crime

Conservation Regulator officers played a significant role in disrupting organised wildlife trafficking networks through our operations. Intelligence gathered has identified individuals involved in the unlawful possession, breeding and trade of native wildlife, including threatened species.

Investigations highlighted risks to species such as red-tailed black cockatoos, lace monitors and Murray–Darling carpet pythons, where illegal collection and trade can remove animals from breeding populations and undermine conservation efforts.

Operation Django exposed extensive links between offenders involved in trafficking native wildlife, exotic animals and prohibited fish species. Intelligence generated through the operation supported investigations across Victoria and interstate jurisdictions, identifying emerging trafficking trends.

Building on this intelligence, Operation Candy focused on identifying and prioritising individuals involved in organised native wildlife offending. The operation strengthened intelligence-sharing arrangements with partner agencies and improved the Conservation Regulator’s understanding of wildlife crime networks, enabling future compliance and enforcement efforts to be more targeted and effective.

Working with partners to disrupt trafficking networks

Investigations into wildlife trafficking are often complex, requiring close collaboration with partner agencies such as Victoria Police, Agriculture Victoria, Crime Stoppers Victoria and the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. These partnerships support the detection, investigation and prosecution of offences, and help disrupt illegal networks involved in the capture and trade of wildlife. We are working more closely than ever with national and state agencies to disrupt the illegal trafficking of both protected native species and exotic pest animals.

Community reporting

Community reporting plays a critical role in identifying wildlife trafficking and supporting enforcement action. Information from the public has contributed to investigations into illegal wildlife trade, including cases involving cruelty, unlawful possession and attempts to traffic animals across borders. We continue to encourage Victorians to report suspected wildlife crime, recognising that early information can help prevent further harm and support successful outcomes.

Report cruelty to wildlife

Call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
Visit Crime Stoppers(opens in a new window)

Protection of threatened species

Our regulatory priority, protection of threatened species, encompasses our efforts to prevent or deter illegal or inappropriate activities contributing to the decline of plant and animal species listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

Illegal activities can cause serious and lasting harm to species that are already vulnerable, as well as to the habitats they rely on. We identify key, illegal threatening processes within our regulatory remit and develop strategies to reduce risk to threatened species and biodiversity. Our work includes monitoring compliance with the law, investigating suspected breaches, and taking enforcement action. We also place strong emphasis on prevention, working with partners and the community to raise awareness of legal responsibilities and support actions that help protect threatened species now and into the future.

We prioritise investigating offences where threatened species are impacted, such as illegal take of timber in areas of high biodiversity value. Examples of work this year include laying charges against people caught disturbing habitat of threatened species, monitoring and enforcing dog exclusion zones to protect hooded plovers and education and engagement via Victoria’s Net Swap pilot program.

4 offenders successfully prosecuted

Grey-headed flying-fox netting entanglements partnership

Work has continued this year to address the dangers that illegal household fruit tree netting poses to wildlife, including the threatened grey-headed flying-fox.

Since September 2021, it has been illegal to use or sell household fruit tree netting with a mesh size greater than 5mm x 5mm, however many households remain unaware that the netting they are using is unsafe and unlawful. Larger mesh netting is more likely to entangle wildlife, including the threatened grey headed flying fox, a species that plays a critical role in pollination and seed dispersal.

Led by the Conservation Regulator, in partnership with RSPCA Victoria, Zoos Victoria, Wildlife Victoria and Animal Welfare Victoria, we ran a Net Swap pilot program from November 2025 to March 2026 across five municipalities, offering residents in the Boroondara, Brimbank, Manningham, Merri-bek and Yarra council areas the opportunity to exchange illegal fruit tree netting for a legal alternative.

The program has resulted in 614 illegal nets being surrendered and recycled, and 359 legal nets distributed, helping to create a safer environment for wildlife across Victoria. The surrendered illegal nets were transported to a textile recycler, in turn, diverting over 450 kilograms of netting from landfill. Collected netting have been recycled to make high-quality materials used in manufacturing. The program will be expanded in 2026–2027.

A webpage has been created to educate the public about this issue and how they can take action.

• 614 illegal nets surrendered
• 359 legal nets swapped
• 450kg textiles diverted from landfill
• 1.57t greenhouse gases prevented

Visit Fruit tree netting guide

Operation Save Our Hoodies

Our partnership with BirdLife Australia and Parks Victoria through Operation Save Our Hoodies (SoHo) continued for a fifth year in 2025–2026, focusing on protecting the threatened hooded plover during its critical summer breeding season. The program combines education, on‑ground monitoring and enforcement to help reduce risks to nesting birds and their chicks along Victoria’s coastline.

Hooded plovers nest directly on open beaches, making their eggs and chicks extremely vulnerable to disturbance. Environmental pressures such as king tides, extreme heat and coastal erosion continue to pose challenges, alongside human‑related risks including people unknowingly disturbing nests and dogs chasing, injuring or killing flightless chicks. Recent dog attacks on hooded plover chicks highlighted how quickly these risks can result in devastating outcomes for the species.

Throughout the 2025–2026 breeding season, Operation SoHo patrols were conducted along the Victorian coast to educate beach‑goers and enforce rules around nesting sites. These efforts contributed to at least 37 hooded plover chicks successfully fledging, offering an important boost to these threatened birds.

Encouragingly, most beach‑goers did the right thing, with fewer infringements issued compared to previous seasons. Increased awareness, clear signage and respectful behaviour helped create safer conditions for nesting birds during this sensitive period.

How the community can help

Everyone has a role to play in protecting hooded plovers. Simple actions can make a big difference, including:

• following signage and respecting fenced or roped‑off nesting areas
• keeping dogs on leads during breeding season
• giving birds and chicks plenty of space
• reporting suspected wildlife crime to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

By working together, we can help give hooded plovers the best possible chance to survive and thrive along Victoria’s coast.

Report wildlife crime

Call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
Visit Crime Stoppers(opens in a new window)

Illegal vehicle use

We continued ongoing efforts to address the environmental and safety impacts of illegal off-road vehicle use in Victoria’s forests, through a combination of community engagement and targeted compliance.

Programs such as Operation Trail Safe, delivered with partners including the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), provided opportunities to connect directly with riders and drivers while promoting safe, responsible vehicle use.

With more than 30,000 kilometres of formed roads and tracks available for legal access, a key focus was reinforcing the message that staying on designated routes protects sensitive habitats, reduces environmental damage and improves safety. Through education, enforcement and collaboration, we worked to help keep Victoria’s forests healthy, resilient and accessible for future generations.

$11,750 court penalties for offences prosecuted

Education in action – Ride for Tomorrow trail bike booklet

In July 2025, we released an information booklet about trail bike riding to provide guidance on safe, legal and responsible riding, including information about licence and registration requirements, protective equipment, and rider training.

The booklet promotes environmentally responsible behaviour by encouraging riders to stay on formed roads and tracks, protect sensitive areas, and share public land respectfully with other users.

Visit Ride for tomorrow

Permits and licences are powerful regulatory tools for preventing harm to wildlife and forest values. We achieve this through effectively assessing applications, applying appropriate conditions, educating permit and licence holders on how to comply, monitoring compliance and taking enforcement action where appropriate.

During the year, we strengthened our guidance for licence holders and land managers by publishing updated and new resources that clarify permissions, responsibilities and minimum standards under wildlife licences. Together, these resources improve clarity and consistency around wildlife permissions, helping licence holders and land managers comply with the law while protecting animal welfare and biodiversity (See Key publications).

Supporting licence holders to report and apply

The use of our online forms has continued to increase, providing a more streamlined application experience for users while enhancing our capacity to meet statutory obligations and support harm prevention. In 2025–2026, 88 per cent of applicants applied for private wildlife licences, Authorities to Control Wildlife and wildlife import and export permits through our online system, further bolstering the value of the online platform.

Each year, licence holders must submit an Annual Return form to the Conservation Regulator which details any changes to their collections, including if animals have been acquired, traded, or have died. Use of the online return form continues to increase.

This data helps us to understand what wildlife is being held and monitor any trends, such as unusual death rates or escapes.

Integrated Flora and Fauna Guarantee and Forest Produce Licence application form

The integrated Flora and Fauna Guarantee and Forest Produce Licence application form was introduced to reduce barriers to compliance and simplify the application process for activities in state forests. Previously, some permit holders were unaware they also needed a licence under the Forests Act 1958, creating risks and delays when separate applications were required. The new approach keeps existing permits valid and streamlines processes to enable both permits to be applied for through a single streamlined form.

Implementation of this process included updates to guidance and a reduction in administrative burden, helping to improve compliance, and make the process simpler for applicants.

Statewide Permission Monitoring Strategy

During 2025–2026, we developed and implemented a Permissions Monitoring and Compliance Strategy to strengthen oversight of wildlife and forest permissions across Victoria. The strategy provides a clear, consistent framework for how permitted activities are monitored, helping ensure licence and permit holders are meeting their conditions and that authorised activities are being carried out safely, lawfully and in line with environmental protections.

The strategy supports the Conservation Regulator’s risk — based and proactive approach to permissions monitoring, enabling us to focus our effort where non — compliance could cause the greatest harm to wildlife, biodiversity or public land. By embedding monitoring into regulatory operations and using insights from inspections and compliance activity, the strategy helps inform future decision — making, improve regulatory practice and promote higher levels of compliance across the permissions system. It also promotes a more coordinated, evidence based approach to monitoring across regions, ensuring regulatory effort is directed where it can deliver the greatest conservation and compliance outcomes.

Permits issued and renewed in 2025–2026

There are many different types of licences and permits issued by the Conservation Regulator, which help ensure safe, legal, and ethical interactions between people and native wildlife.

Permissions we are responsible for include

Authority to Control Wildlife

Issued: 4192

Allows landholders and land managers who have issues with wildlife causing damage to buildings, pastures, crops, or other property, or which pose risks to human health and safety, to manage these problems.

An authority may include permission for lethal and non — lethal control methods.

Commercial Wildlife Licence

• Issued: 54
• Renewed: 230

Allows for the commercial use of wildlife, including selling wildlife in pet shops, keeping wildlife in zoos, as well as taxidermy and other processing of wildlife products.

Private Wildlife Licence

• Issued: 4156
• Renewed: 5707

Allows people to keep wildlife at their private residences.

Wildlife Shelter Authorisation and Wildlife Foster Care Authorisation

• Issued: 89
• Renewed: 172

Allows people to care for and rehabilitate as pets injured, ill, or orphaned wildlife for release back into the wild.

Research, Conservation, Management and Nursery Authorisation

• Issued: 342

Allows people to conduct research where activities may be impacting on wildlife, protected flora or fish, but are necessary for improving scientific understanding, such as attaching radio collars to track wildlife.

Wildlife Import/Export Permit

• Issued: 1645

Allows people to bring wildlife into or out of Victoria.

Forest Produce Licence

Allows individuals and private companies to cut, dig, or take away material from State forests for personal or commercial use.

Cruelty operations

The Conservation Regulator continued to take strong enforcement action against wildlife-related offending in 2025–2026.

Summary of enforcement action

• 157 official warnings
• 324 infringements issued
• 26 persons of interest charged
• 956 charges laid
• 886 charges heard before magistrate
• $127,750 cumulative financial penalty from all court outcomes

Performance measures for regulating the protection of wildlife

* Renewals are completed on a two year cycle, which results in a reduction in renewals every two years

Engagement

Illegal firewood Crime Stoppers campaign

We have strengthened our partnership with Crime Stoppers Victoria, expanding community reporting pathways beyond wildlife crime to include forest offences.

For a number of years we have been working with Crime Stoppers Victoria on wildlife crime initiatives, including our wildlife crime campaigns, and we’re now able to x this to other parts of our work.

Together we launched a new illegal firewood campaign, Illegal firewood: the cost is wild, in June 2026. The campaign aims to encourage Victorians to check their firewood has been legally sourced and report suspicious activity.

If you wish to report suspected forest crime or wildlife crime, please report to Crime Stoppers Victoria, online or by phone. We will continue to accept reports through DEECA Customer Contact Centre on 136 186 as well.

Report wildlife crime

Call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
Visit Crime Stoppers(opens in a new window)

Community events

We attended a number of community events this year, to engage with, and educate the public on what they can do to comply with the law and also how to report forest and wildlife crime. We engaged with over 7,500 people at these events.

Phillip Island Whale Festival and Melbourne Boat Show

We engaged with visitors of all ages at the Phillip Island Whale Festival in July and the Melbourne Boat Show in October through an interactive display stall, using educational resources and merchandise to promote awareness of laws that protect marine wildlife. Officers also delivered presentations on marine mammal regulations, our work through Operation Save Our Hooded Plovers Operation, and career pathways with the Conservation Regulator.

Both events provided valuable opportunities to connect with community members and partner organisations who share an interest in protecting Victoria’s marine environment. The strong level of engagement highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for marine wildlife conservation and responsible wildlife interactions.

Geelong Outdoor Living Expo

With more than 120 exhibitors and visitors attending from across Victoria, the event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with people who enjoy the outdoors and the natural environments. We welcomed questions, provided advice and discussed a range of topics including wildlife protection, public land use and responsible recreation.

The event generated strong community interest and valuable conversations about environmental stewardship and our role as a regulator.

Victorian Herpetological Reptile and Amphibian Expo

We attended the Victorian Herpetological Society Reptile and Amphibian Expo at Caulfield Racecourse in March, engaging with reptile and amphibian enthusiasts from across Victoria.

Officers answered questions throughout the day about wildlife licensing, licence upgrades and animal care requirements. We also provided information about legal obligations associated with keeping native reptiles and amphibians.

The event offered an excellent opportunity to engage directly with members of the wildlife-keeping community, support compliance through education, and raise awareness of our role in protecting Victoria’s wildlife.

Shepparton Bird Expo and Sale

At the Shepparton Bird Expo and Sale in May, we spoke with community members about legally acquiring native birds, licensing requirements and responsibilities, and the importance of providing appropriate care for captive wildlife. We answered questions about our role and responsibilities, generating valuable discussions about wildlife protection and responsible wildlife ownership.

The event demonstrated strong community interest in bird keeping and wildlife conservation, providing an opportunity to support compliance through education and build positive connections with attendees who share a passion for Victoria’s native wildlife.

Event schedule

2025

July

• Phillip Island Whale Festival, Gippsland
• Lardner Park Careers Expo, Gippsland

August

• Koroit Primary School, Barwon South West
• Ballarat Bird Expo, Grampians
• Goolum Goolum Pathways Expo, Grampians
• Swan Hill South Kindergarten, Loddon Mallee
• Birdlife Australia Presentation, Port Phillip, September
• Hope And Action school education day, Loddon Mallee, October
• Melbourne Boat Show, Port Phillip
• Stockman’s Rally, Hume

November

• 4WD Victoria Clean Up Mt Disappointment Day, Hume
• Sawmill Rally, Hume

December

• Sharing Our Shores, Gippsland

2026

January

• Geelong Outdoor Living and Caravan Expo, Barwon South West
• Hooked On Portland, Barwon South West

March

• Mitta Mitta Car/Trailbike Rally, Hume
• Licola Open Roads Rally, Gippsland
• Victorian Herpetological Society Reptile & Amphibian Expo, Port Phillip
• Wimmera Machinery Field Days, Grampians
• Bendigo Sustainability Festival, Loddon Mallee

May

• Birdlife Australia National Beach-nesting Birds Conference, South Australia
• Shepparton Bird Show, Hume
• Illegal Waste Dumping EPA and council forums, Various locations

June

• Hattah Desert Race, Loddon Mallee
• Templestowe Park Primary School, Port Phillip

Education resources online

Helping everyone understand the rules and why they matter is an important part of protecting Victoria’s landscapes, plants and wildlife. This year we made it easier to access and share information by launching a new Education Resources webpage, with materials for schools, community groups and the wider public.

In one easy to navigate section the page includes:

• Our Focus Species program for children aged 5–8.
• Curriculum-linked lesson plans for primary and secondary teachers.
• A wildlife crime education video explaining what wildlife crime is, how to report it, and how crimes are investigated.
• Downloadable resources for education and outreach, including brochures and children’s activities.

Explore our Education Resources page, download what you need, and share it with your school, workplace or community group. Together, we can help protect Victoria’s landscapes, plants and wildlife.

Visit Education resources(opens in a new window)
Visit Focus species program(opens in a new window)
Visit Resources for teachers(opens in a new window)
Visit Wildlife crime education video(opens in a new window)

Focus species program

This year, our Focus Species Program continues to promote wildlife protection by spotlighting key native species such as the bearded dragon, brush tailed phascogale, and hooded plover. The program shows how everyday actions, like responsible firewood collection and safer campfire behaviour directly influence the wellbeing of Victoria’s native animals.

Since the launch of the program in 2024, the program now features our curriculum linked lesson plans which help young people learn why wildlife protection rules exist and encourages lifelong conservation habits. New schools across the state continue to access these lesson plans, and since their launch in August 2024 they have been downloaded 652 times by 110 educators.

Explore our Focus Species resources, print them out or share them with your community, and play your part in ensuring these native species can thrive for generations to come.

Visit Focus species program(opens in a new window)

Wildlife dealers Christmas outreach

To support responsible pet ownership and protect animal welfare, we ran a targeted campaign for licensed wildlife dealers to help customers understand the rules, the long-term commitment and the care requirements involved in keeping native animals.

This campaign helps people make informed decisions before buying wildlife as a pet, reducing the risk of impulse purchases, poor housing or diet, and illegal actions such as taking animals from the wild or releasing pets.

Tertiary student engagement

Our partnership with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) continues to deliver practical, research-driven insights while supporting the next generation of environmental professionals.

This year, RMIT students were able to contribute to the Conservation Regulator’s goals through developing public-facing communications on the topic of campfire safety and exploring community perceptions of possums, aiming to address misconceptions, reinforce their status as protected wildlife, and identify improved ways to engage the community on wildlife cruelty issues.

This collaboration highlighted the value of tertiary partnerships in strengthening evidence-based approaches and delivering meaningful outcomes for both students and the Conservation Regulator.

Giving Country a voice in court – Cultural impact statements

This year, we introduced new guidance on victim impact statements relating to cultural harm, marking an important step in recognising the lived and ongoing impacts of environmental harm on Traditional Owners.

One of our core roles is to hold people accountable for harm to forests, wildlife, land and waters. Historically, court proceedings have relied on technical evidence of non compliance and environmental damage. However, our Pupangarli Marnmarnepu Working Group identified a critical opportunity to strengthen this approach by ensuring Traditional Owners’ voices can be heard when harm is done to Country.

In many regulatory cases, the direct victims – plants, animals, land and waters – cannot speak for themselves. Victim Impact Statements create a pathway for Traditional Owners to explain, in their own words, the cultural, spiritual, emotional and social impacts of harm to Country. These statements may be provided by individuals, Traditional Owner Corporations, or authorised representatives, and are presented to the court after a guilty plea or finding.

While courts can only legally receive documents titled Victim Impact Statements, we acknowledge that this language does not fully reflect the strength, resilience and sovereignty of Victoria’s First Peoples. Nonetheless, these statements play a meaningful role in informing sentencing decisions and ensuring courts better understand the full significance of environmental crime. Participation is entirely voluntary.

This guidance reflects our continued commitment to Aboriginal self determination and to regulatory approaches that better acknowledge cultural harm. It supports a more informed, respectful and comprehensive justice process – one that recognises Country as living, storied, and deeply connected to people.

Key publications

How-to-comply guides

Clear guidance helps people do the right thing for wildlife. This year, we published new and updated ‘how to comply’ resources to help licence holders and applicants understand their legal obligations, meet minimum welfare standards, and avoid common compliance issues.

We released our new Wildlife Controller Licence Guide: Things you need to know, setting out minimum standards for lawful operation – including eligible species, record keeping and returns, and requirements for handling and displaying wildlife.

After the Victorian government’s response to the Wildlife Act Review (October 2025), we updated the Private Wildlife Licence Guide to reflect new crocodile restrictions: licence holders must not acquire or receive saltwater or freshwater crocodiles without prior written approval from the Conservation Regulator.

The guidance also clarifies enclosure, breeding and disposal requirements to support consistent, safe management of high-risk species.

The how to comply guides that are now available are:

• Wildlife Rehabilitator Authorisation Guide(opens in a new window)
• Private Wildlife Licence Guide(opens in a new window)
• Dingo Licence Guide(opens in a new window)
• Wildlife Controller Licence Guide(opens in a new window)
• Wildlife Demonstrator Licence Guide(opens in a new window)

We also published a land manager activities and flying-foxes fact sheet to help public land managers undertake routine maintenance and reduce risk at flying-fox camps while avoiding harm to wildlife, and a Living with Wildlife webpage to clarify reasonable precautions to identify and avoid wildlife harm, including disturbance.

We’ve developed and published guidance to help operators understand and minimise the impacts of drones on wildlife. The negative impacts of drones on wildlife can include:

• collisions with, or attacks on, drones causing injury or death of wildlife
• increased stress due to audible or visual drone disturbance
• offspring being separated from their parents when drones come between them
• wildlife abandoning their nests when mistaking a drone for a predator
• increased predation risk as drones may attract predators to the area and/or scare wildlife out of safety.

Visit Wildlife Rehabilitator Authorisation Guide(opens in a new window)
Visit Private Wildlife Licence Guide(opens in a new window)
Visit Dingo Licence Guide(opens in a new window)
Visit Wildlife Controller Licence Guide(opens in a new window)
Visit Wildlife Demonstrator Licence Guide(opens in a new window)

Systems, processes, and tools

Wildlife Licensing System replacement

This year, we made significant progress toward replacing the legacy Wildlife Licensing System, a critical step to streamlining how permissions are applied for and assessed across Victoria.

A modern replacement will ensure we can continue to deliver permissions efficiently, support compliance activities and provide a better experience for licence holders and applicants. The new Permissions System will be designed to provide a more reliable, efficient and user‑friendly platform for managing licences, permits and authorisations.

A major focus during 2025–2026 has been engaging with the internal and external users of the system. External user engagement activities including research, workshops and interviews have provided valuable insights into how permissions are accessed and managed in practice. This work will shape system design to better meet the needs of applicants, licence holders and the broader community.

Development of the new system is now underway, with the project expected to deliver a system capable of supporting permissions processes and covering the full range of permission types administered by the Conservation Regulator in 2027.

Internal reviews

We have an internal review program that provides the community with a method to make a complaint or request an internal review about the way we conduct our activities or the decisions we make.

Our internal review program provides an impartial assessment of:

• a regulatory decision, such as issuing licences or authorisations
• an officer’s behaviour when conducting regulatory activities, including if they followed policies and procedures, or how they undertook defensive actions
• systemic issues or risks that might impact our ability to safely and effectively conduct our regulatory activities.

Each assessment is conducted internally by an assessor not involved in the original decision. They consider all aspects of the matter to determine compliance with legislation and approved policies, procedures and training and then will determine whether remedial activities are required to address decisions, specific risks or whether further investigation is required by a third party.

In 2025–2026, we received 3 requests for internal review to be conducted. Each of the Internal Reviews determined the decision in question to be a Justified Regulatory Decision.

This internal review process increases opportunities for regulatory decision review and provides an avenue in addition to options available through the Victorian Ombudsman and the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner.

Operational staff undertake patrols and monitoring activities, with a strong focus on education and compliance. This includes Authorised Officers, who receive specialised training and are empowered to enforce relevant laws and regulations to protect Victoria’s environment and wildlife.

Changes to the Regulator

Government reforms announced in late 2025 – including the Victorian Government Response to the Silver Review and to the Great Outdoors Taskforce report commitments, the transfer of certain regulatory responsibilities from Parks Victoria, and the establishment of an EPA‑led Illegal Dumping Taskforce – will expand our role in 2026–2027 and on‑ground presence across Victoria. These changes will result in more coordinated enforcement, increased patrols in high‑use areas, and stronger compliance outcomes. We are actively managing this period of change to integrate new responsibilities smoothly, support staff, and ensure regulatory activity remains consistent, effective and focused on protecting public land and the environment.

Our organisational structure

Our organisation is led by the Chief Conservation Regulator and comprises 3 key business areas.

Regulatory Operations

Our Regulatory Operations Branch leads and coordinates state-wide regulatory service delivery. Branch staff are responsible for conducting complex risk assessments, harm prevention campaigns, audits, inspections, investigations, and intelligence functions.

The branch delivers strategic and effective risk based and intelligence-led approaches to compliance for biodiversity, fire prevention, and use of public land through implementation of best practice frameworks, policies and supporting procedures and guidelines.

The branch builds community confidence in regulatory practices by implementing an open and transparent approach to information sharing and decision-making, and by engaging with communities to inform how and where regulatory effort is targeted to address the greatest risks of environmental harm.

Regulatory Strategy and Permissions

Our Regulatory Strategy and Permissions Branch leads the provision of regulatory strategy, information and guidance, and capability development. It undertakes reform and delivery of regulatory permissions (licences, permits and authorities).

The branch works with the Regulatory Operations branch to ensure its work can be effectively implemented and to support efficient, effective, and transparent regulatory service delivery.

Office of the Chief

Our Office of the Chief leads and delivers strategic projects, issues management, reporting, media and communications, stakeholder engagement and partnerships, as well as coordinating business planning.

The Office of the Chief works with other branches, the Office of the Deputy Secretary, DEECA’s regional and corporate media and communications units, and co‑regulators to support our mission and regulatory obligations.

Our organisational structure

Chief Conservation Regulator

• Independent Regulation Advisory Panel
• Stakeholder Reference Group

Director Regulatory Operations

• Regulatory Operations Barwon South West
• Regulatory Operations Gippsland
• Regulatory Operations Grampians
• Regulatory Operations Hume
• Regulatory Operations Loddon Mallee
• Regulatory Operations Port Phillip
• Wildlife Crime and Intelligence
• Public Land Compliance

Director Regulatory Strategy and Permissions

• Regulatory Strategy and Guidance
• Wildlife Licensing
• Forests and Research Permissions
• Regulatory Capability

Head of the Office of the Chief

• Media and Communications
• Regulatory Education and Engagement
• Project Coordination and Advice

Our people

Location

• Metro: 24%
• Regional: 76%

Gender

• Female: 50%
• Male: 50%

To protect individual privacy, figures for staff with declared gender of Self-described are not reported separately.

Employment status

• Part-time: 16%
• Full-time: 84%

VPS grade

• VPS 2: 4
• VPS 3: 37
• VPS 4: 39
• VPS 5: 24
• VPS 6: 15
• Executive: 4

Advisory groups

Independent Regulation Advisory Panel

Our Independent Regulation Advisory Panel is chaired by the Chief Conservation Regulator, supported by 3 experts in the field of environmental regulation who work together to provide us with independent advice on best practice approaches to regulation.

The panel members include Jane Brockington, Dariel De Sousa, and Adam Beaumont. In 2025–2026, they met 3 times and provided advice on:

• the progress to date and future direction of Taskforce Ironbark
• our strategic planning process and actions
• the replacement of the wildlife licensing system
• How we would respond to the commitments in response to Great Outdoors Taskforce Report commitments, the transfer of certain regulatory responsibilities from Parks Victoria, and the establishment of an EPA‑led Illegal Dumping Taskforce
• addressing the complex issue of displaced persons on public land through a humanity-led, multi-agency approach to coordinate an effective and lawful response to homelessness on public land.

Stakeholder Reference Group

Our Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) provides advice and support to assist our mission of being an effective, trusted, best practice regulator for the Victorian community and environment. Our members are representatives from environmental non-government organisations, industry, local government and community organisations.

During 2025–2026, they met as a group 3 times, in addition to individual meetings held with members to engage on issues of interest. In the past year, they have provided feedback and advice on:

• utilising different compliance tools for improved environmental outcomes
• development of regulatory priorities
• our media, communications and engagement projects
• implementation of major campaigns and taskforces
• communicating structural organisation changes to the public.

• Operational budget: $24,138,791
• Operational expenses: $5,935,473
• Staffing costs: $18,203,318

Department performance measures

Budget paper 3 measures

Wildlife licence renewals processed by target dates

• Target: 82%
• Actual: 96%
• Target met

Target was exceeded as a result of established processes and procedures. Exceedance of the target is an indication of enhanced service delivery.

Strategic compliance operations implemented by the Conservation Regulator

• Target: 5
• Actual: 5
• Target met

See DEECA Annual Reports