Crackdown on illegal collection

The Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria have launched a statewide operation to address the destruction of wildlife habitat caused by illegal firewood collection in Victoria’s forests, parks and reserves.

Operation Hollows is targeting unlawful removal of commercial quantities of firewood from public land, and suppliers of illegal firewood.

During the past few weeks the Conservation Regulator has detected the removal of thousands of tonnes of firewood that have been removed illegally, reducing important supply for hundreds of households across Victoria.

Recognition that many people are facing significant hardship, having been affected by drought, bushfires and now COVID-19 and might be relying on firewood from state forests to supplement their heating needs has prompted the move.

Uncontrolled firewood collection can lead to the loss of habitat such as hollow logs and dead trees. Habitat loss has a serious impact on iconic native species that rely on our forests to survive.

Authorised officers will patrol forests, parks and reserves and use cameras to detect offenders at all times of the day and night and on both weekdays and weekends.

The Conservation Regulator’s Major Investigations and Operations Unit and Parks Victoria’s compliance team will target suppliers suspected of unlawfully collecting and distributing illegal firewood.

As part of the operation, anyone caught illegally removing firewood can face a fine of up to $8261, and vehicles and equipment might also be seized. Commercial firewood suppliers need to have the licences and permits to collect and sell firewood obtained in Victoria.

Domestic firewood collection is allowed in designated collection areas during a firewood-collection season, and people can collect up to two cubic metres a day and 16 cubic metres a financial year.

Chief Conservation regulator Kate Gavens said the program targeted illegal removal of commercial quantities of firewood based on the negative impact it had on forest health, wildlife habitat and the sustainability of firewood resources.

“Following the devastating losses of wildlife in Victoria’s recent bushfires, it’s even more important that we protect wildlife habitat – our forests, parks and reserves – from illegal firewood operators,” she said.

Parks Victoria Fire, Emergency and Enforcement director David Nugent said firewood collection limits ensured everyone had fair access to supply, while protecting the environment.

“We’re encouraging anyone who buys firewood to question where it is being sourced from, and to report suspected illegal collection or selling of firewood on 136 186,” he said.

Further firewood collection rules are available online at www.ffm.vic.gov.au.

“Following the devastating losses of wildlife in Victoria’s recent bushfires, it’s even more important that we protect wildlife habitat from illegal firewood operators” – Kate Gavens