A pair of Aussies have been slapped with $35,000 in fines for illegally collecting masses of firewood for a black market enterprise. They were busted during a targeted patrol inside a national park where fallen timber is supposed to be left as wildlife habitat.
The pair fled after they were approached by officers, according to Parks Victoria. But the duo made a major blunder, leaving evidence of their backyard enterprise behind.
When authorities searched their abandoned Commodore, they found records that identified the 44-year-old man and 31-year-old woman. But they hit the jackpot when they uncovered records related to the sale of firewood, and social media accounts linked to the male which promoted the business.
2.3 cubic metres of river red gum and the trailer used to carry it were seized. Source: Supplied
On Wednesday, Parks Victoria renewed a call to the public not to be duped by firewood scams. In July the agency issued a separate warning about illegal wood sellers in general, during which it revealed close to 10,000 trees had been illegally felled across 462 hectares of public land last year.
Despite not showing up in person, the pair were convicted of six charges at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on November 22. The man was fined $20,000 and the woman $15,000 for cutting, removing and selling firewood in the Lower Goulburn National Park in May, 2023.
Fallen logs are key habitat for the marbled gecko, brown treecreeper and Peron’s tree frog. And the couple faced additional charges for damaging wildlife habitat.
A chainsaw used as part of the operation was seized by authorities. Source: Supplied
Chainsaw and trailer seized as part of ‘broader operation’
Despite this being the pair’s first firewood-related offence, the presiding magistrate recognised the act was part of a broader, illegal firewood operation, so seized the chainsaw and trailer used as part of the illegal enterprise. The 2.3 cubic metres of river red gum that was seized will be donated to the community.
“The illegal cut and take of firewood from national parks and protected public land is theft,” said a statement attributable to Andrew Dean, a Parks Victoria Senior Enforcement Officer.
“Theft 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.”
How to ensure firewood is sourced legally
Parks Victoria advises residents to take the following steps to ensure that firewood is sourced legally:
-
Ask where the firewood comes from
-
Request a tax receipt with a business name and ABN
-
Avoid buying from social media platforms
-
Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.