Police lay charges over illegal firewood collection

Authorities have seized more than 200 tonnes of firewood and laid charges against nine people following a joint operation between Tasmania Police and Sustainable Timber Tasmania.

Police said it used surveillance and targeted patrols to crack down on the illegal timber harvesting that was taking place in the Central Highlands.

“To date, proceedings have commenced against nine individuals from Queenstown, with a combined total of 141 counts of trespass and stealing,” Tasmania Police Senior Constable Jessica Weston said. 

“Police will be paying close attention to anyone suspected of being involved in illegal wood collection and will intervene where appropriate. 

“Anyone caught engaging in illegal wood collection may be proceeded against for breaches of legislation including stealing, unlawful possession, trespass and relevant traffic offences.”

Senior Constable Weston said that members of the public can collect firewood legally by doing so on their own land, with permission from the landowner, or by obtaining a permit from Sustainable Timber Tasmania.