Elsie Lange
About 400 standing trees have been illegally felled and removed from parks and state forests in the Kyneton, Macedon, Taradale and Castlemaine areas this year, prompting calls from Parks Victoria and the Conservation Regulator for public information on illegal firewood operators in Central Victoria.
As part of Operation CENTAUR, patrols and surveillance are targeting the behaviour, and enforcement officers are alarmed by the destruction of the grassy woodlands timber, which provide hollows for nesting birds and mammals.
Parks Victoria Goldfields area chief ranger Karen Doyle said many animals rely on fallen timber and tree hollows for habitat.
“Crevices under logs and hollows in trees provide safe places for mammals, reptiles, birds and invertebrates to live and are the perfect place to protect their young from predators,” Ms Doyle said.
“Fallen timber and tree hollows also have value far beyond basic shelter, providing food resources and recycling nutrients in the ecosystem as it decays.”
In a statement, Parks Victoria said over $5500 in infringement notices had been issued over the past 12 months, for “illegal collection of timber, destruction of habitat and off-road driving”.
They said they were investigating other offences with Victoria Police and the Conservation Regulator.
“Anyone caught illegally felling or taking timber can face a fine of up to $9246 and/or a year in prison, as well as risk losing the items used to commit offences, such as chainsaws, vehicles and other associated equipment,” Parks Victoria said.
The statutory authority said it was a timely reminder to the public to purchase firewood responsibly, but considering where the wood has come from.
“Victorians are urged to ask questions before they buy, to avoid inadvertently supporting illegal firewood operators and to reduce the impact of these illegal activities on our environment,” Parks Victoria said.
Ms Doyle said information from the community was a key part of Parks Victoria’s intelligence and evidence gathering.
“We encourage community members to report any suspicious behaviour to Parks Victoria on 13 19 63. But please remember your safety is most important – don’t put yourself at risk to gather information,” she said.
