Illegal firewood enterprise lands Tatura locals in court

Wednesday 11 December, 2024

Two Tatura residents have been hit with a combined $35,000 in fines after a Parks Victoria investigation uncovered their black market firewood enterprise.

The duo—a 44-year-old man and 31-year-old woman—were convicted of six charges by the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court, despite their failure to attend separate hearings on Friday November 22.

The pair were fined $20,000 and $15,000 respectively after being found guilty of illegally cutting, removing and selling firewood from the Lower Goulburn National Park in May 2023. Additional charges included causing damage and disruption to wildlife habitat and native vegetation.

Despite this being their first firewood-related offence, the Presiding Magistrate recognised their actions were part of a broader, illegal firewood operation. Consequently, the chainsaw and trailer used as part of their illegal activity were seized and ordered to be destroyed, while 2.3 cubic metres of seized river red gum will be donated to the community.

In delivering the verdict, Magistrate Simon Zebrowski said this illegal activity was “obviously an ongoing commercial enterprise” and that firewood offenders likely “factor fines into their business”, making this a “serious matter that needs deterrence”. He indicated that theft from a national park is particularly egregious, as it also causes damage to wildlife habitats.

During targeted patrols under Operation Goulburn, Authorised Officers from Parks Victoria intercepted the pair. After they fled the scene, a search of their abandoned vehicle uncovered identifying documents and records related to the sale of firewood. Authorities also found accounts linked to the male promoting firewood for sale on Facebook.

The 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.

To avoid inadvertently supporting illegal activity, buyers should:


  • ask the supplier where the wood is from.
  • request a tax receipt that includes a business name and ABN.
  • avoid buying from social media websites.
  • ask why the firewood might be too cheap.

The community is urged to report illegal firewood theft or suspicious sellers to Parks Victoria on 13 1963.

Quotes attributable to Andrew Dean, Parks Victoria Senior Enforcement Officer:

“The illegal cut and take of firewood from national parks and protected public land is theft. Theft that damages and destroys wildlife habitat and robs Victorians of the natural places they love to visit. Magistrate Zebrowski's verdict sends a strong and clear message: firewood theft will not be tolerated, and offenders will be held accountable for their actions. We encourage consumers to use common sense when purchasing firewood—any time a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.”



Media enquiries

Dragana Mrkaja

Mobile: 0429 276 483

dragana.mrkaja@parks.vic.gov.au

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