A Shepparton man and a Congupna man were convicted and fined a combined amount of $12,500 after pleading guilty to a total of 14 charges related to the illegal take of firewood from public land.
On Friday, January 20 in Seymour Magistrates’ Court, a 29-year-old Congupna man admitted to illegally cutting and taking timber on several occasions between August and September 2021 from the Lower Goulburn National Park and the Loch Garry Wildlife Reserve.
The man pleaded guilty to 11 charges relating to disturbing wildlife habitat, illegal firewood collection, illegal off-road driving and obstructing an authorised officer in the execution of their duty.
Magistrate Marita Altman also ordered the destruction of two chainsaws and the man’s dual trailer.
A 37-year-old man from Shepparton pleaded guilty to three charges of illegally cutting timber, disturbing wildlife habitat and driving off-road in the Loch Garry Wildlife Reserve in September 2021.
In his sentencing on Thursday, January 19 at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court, Magistrate Peter Mithen said the 37-year-old’s penalty was “steeper” due to his repeat offending.
Conservation Regulator authorised officers detected the pair after the men were captured on concealed cameras, which were installed as part of Operation River Gum.
Operation River Gum is a joint operation between the Conservation Regulator, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria to address illegal firewood removal from vulnerable ecosystems.
Conservation Regulator acting manager regulatory operations Hume region Stephen McMonigle said the sites were important sanctuaries for wildlife.
“The Lower Goulburn National Park and Loch Garry Wildlife Reserve are home to some important native species, and the loss of these trees will have lasting environmental impacts,” he said.
“These men have deliberately stolen wildlife habitat and community resources, and their convictions should be a reminder to anyone thinking about illegally taking timber from public land that they will be caught and face consequences.”
For more information about firewood regulation in Victoria, visit www.vic.gov.au/collecting-firewood
The community can report the illegal cutting or removal of firewood anonymously by calling 136 186.