Illegal firewood trade leads to conviction and $3,000 fine
Friday 18 October, 2024
Parks Victoria is reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy on firewood theft following the recent conviction of a Moama man caught damaging native habitat in the Lower Goulburn National Park.
On Tuesday September 3, the 36-year-old man was convicted and fined $3,000 by the Echuca Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to charges of illegal cutting, taking, and selling of river red gum timber, as well as causing significant damage to wildlife habitat on public land.
These charges were the result of a thorough operation conducted by Parks Victoria in March of last year. Authorised Officers discovered extensive habitat destruction and illegal timber removal in the Lower Goulburn National Park, including recently felled trees and distinctive off-road tyre tracks.
Under Operation Goulburn, surveillance cameras installed at the impacted site captured the accused removing 12 cubic metres of river red gum timber while attempting to evade detection by obscuring the registration plates of his vehicles and trailer.
Authorised Officers also found the 36-year-old illegally promoting the firewood for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Lower Goulburn National Park is a vital 9,000-hectare landscape stretching from the outskirts of Shepparton to the Murray River. It is protected under the National Parks Act 1975.
This area is home to countless native species dependent on fallen timber, including the Marbled Gecko, Brown Treecreeper and Peron’s Tree Frog. The removal of native trees poses a serious threat to the delicate balance of this habitat.
Parks Victoria remains committed to preserving Victoria's unique landscapes and encourages the public to report any suspicious activity by making an anonymous report to 131 963.
Quotes attributable to Andrew Dean, Senior Enforcement Officer, Parks Victoria:
“Parks Victoria does not tolerate actions that jeopardise Victoria’s natural and cultural heritage. The conviction of this individual serves as a strong reminder that illegal activities in our national parks or reserves will be met with decisive action. We urge the community to report suspicious activity, including dodgy firewood sellers, to Parks Victoria on 131 963. Together, we can protect these invaluable ecosystems for generations to come.”