Winter warning for firewood sales
Anyone caught cutting or taking timber illegally from public land can face on-the-spot-fines or one year in jail.
Illegal firewood operators are being put on notice, as the Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria urge Victorians to source their winter firewood from reputable sellers and report dodgy dealers.
Firewood theft from public land is a significant issue across Victoria which heavily impacts critical wildlife habitat and cultural heritage.
The worst hit areas include the Murray and Goulburn River corridors, the far south-eastern corner of Victoria, and forests and parks around Ballarat and the Grampians. Sadly, much of the stolen timber is sold onto unsuspecting customers.
Firewood sellers can only sell timber sourced legally from a wholesale supplier, commercial wood lot or from private land with the permission of the landowner and in accordance with the Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation.
It can be difficult for customers to recognise reputable firewood sellers, so buyers are encouraged to ask the following questions:
- Where does your wood come from? Firewood sellers should be able to provide the details of where the wood for sale is sourced from.
- Can I get a receipt? Firewood sellers should provide a tax receipt with a business name and ABN listed.
- Why is the wood so cheap? If the firewood seems cheaper than similar sales nearby, ask the supplier why.
Buyers should report details about suspicious sellers or firewood theft from public land by calling 136 186.
This year the Conservation Regulator is targeting firewood theft with Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria through Operation Hollows. Authorised Officers are patrolling forests, parks and reserves, and use concealed cameras and other methods to detect offences.
Anyone caught cutting or taking timber illegally from public land can face on-the-spot-fines of $740 under the Forests Act 1958 or a maximum penalty of $9246 and/or one year jail if the matter is taken to court. Chainsaws, trailers and vehicles can also be seized if they’re detected as being used for the offending.
For people looking to collect firewood, the autumn firewood collection season from public land is open until June 30 in designated areas. People can collect a maximum of two cubic metres of firewood per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres of firewood per household per financial year. Only fallen timber without hollows can be collected.
Details of where firewood can be collected, can be found at: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region.
For more information about buying firewood responsibly in Victoria visit: www.vic.gov.au/buying-firewood.
Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who buy firewood for heating: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support.
