Residents are being warned to follow firewood collection rules after a Kondrook man was fined for breaching regulations.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 64-year-old man was fined after he was found cutting and removing approximately two cubic metres of wood from outside a designated firewood collection area in the Gunbower State Forest.
Forest Fire Management Victoria’s Nick Whatley said the wood collected was seized and impounded.
“He was cutting and removing firewood not far from a designated firewood collection area where he could have legally taken two cubic metres of firewood for free,” Mr Whatley said.
People found breaking regulations can face on-the-spot fines of $622 or, for more serious offences, a fine of $7773 or one year in prison.
Fines can be distributed for collecting firewood outside designated firewood collection areas or firewood collection season, taking more than the maximum allowable amounts or selling firewood they have collected.
“Most people have been doing the right thing and are following the rules,” Mr Whatley said.
“It is important for people collecting firewood on public land to be aware of where, when and what firewood can be collected.”
The autumn domestic firewood collection season on public land is open until June 30.
For more information on firewood regulations and designated firewood collection areas visit www.delwp.vic.gov.au/parks-forests-and-crown-land/firewood