26 September 2023

Services heat up over firewood theft

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A National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), NSW Police Force and Local Land Services surveillance operation has identified people stealing firewood from the Murrumbidgee Valley National and Regional Park and Crown lands.

Manager of Park Operations for NPWS, Robin Mares said many people could expect to be contacted in coming weeks about the offences.

“These operations found people carrying chainsaws, stealing firewood from the reserves and driving off tracks which damages bushland,” Mr Mares said.

“Taking firewood from the reserves is an illegal activity,” he said.

“The surveillance confirmed some people had covered or switched number plates to try to avoid detection while they were in the parks.”

Mr Mares said it was important that householders made sure any firewood they bought was legally obtained, or they could also face fines for possessing illegally cut firewood.

“Ask the sellers to show proof that the timber has been legally cut and sold,” he said.

“Cutting down trees and taking fallen wood from national parks deprives native wildlife of crucial habitats destroying homes for native birds, mammals and reptiles.”

Mr Mares said the maximum penalty for damaging National Parks estate land was $110,000 for individuals and/or six months’ imprisonment.

He said the surveillance operation to protect NPWS land in the Murrumbidgee Valley would continue in coming months.

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