Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Sustainability and Environment

Penalties For Illegal Harvesting Of Firewood In Mullungdung

Two men from Robertsons Beach, south of Yarram were convicted in Sale Magistrates Court recently for the illegal cutting and felling of forest produce for firewood in the Mullungdung State Forest.

By Department of Sustainability - 16th May 2011 - Back to News

Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Forest Officers found the men in possession of a large amount of forest produce - neither of the men had an authority to possess the produce.

The men pleaded guilty to felling trees and removing firewood from the forest without permits or authority. They each received a $2000 fine and were ordered to pay the department's costs of $146.85.

DSE Forest Manager, Jessica Cleaver said there have been a number of instances recently where trees have been illegally felled for firewood collection.

"With the onset of cold weather and the need to collect firewood, DSE staff remind the public that a permit is required to cut firewood in State Forest areas. The felling of standing trees is not permitted under any circumstances," Ms Cleaver said.

DSE controls the amount of firewood collected and the areas that are available for collection to help to ensure the sustainable management of Victoria's forests.

The collection and removal of firewood from State forests for domestic use requires a licence or permit issued by DSE or an agent acting on behalf of DSE.

"Only fallen timber can be collected – standing trees must never be cut down as, both living and dead, they provide habitat for a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles," Ms Cleaver said.

"This recent court case is a timely reminder that DSE staff patrol our forests and enforce forest regulations and that substantial penalties can be applied."

Firewood permits and maps of where to collect your firewood lawfully can be obtained from the Heyfield DSE Office on 5139 7777 or the Yarram DSE Office on 5183 9100 and from some local retail outlets.

For further information on where to obtain permits to collect firewood, please contact the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136186 or visit the DSE website: www.dse.vic.gov.au

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Latrobe City Council welcomes enforcement action targeting illegal tobacco and vape trading to improve community safety and support local businesses
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed enforcement action by Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce against illegal tobacco and vape trading, supporting community safety, lawful businesses and safer town centres.
• DAFF faces criticism over Russian timber imports and failure to enforce illegal logging laws, leaving Australian producers at risk
  DAFF faces scrutiny over Russian timber imports, having conducted no compliance testing despite evidence of misdeclared timber. Nationals leaders warn weak enforcement threatens Australian forestry jobs and domestic producers.
• Mobile Service Centres bringing government support across South Gippsland communities an August and September
  Australian government Mobile Service Centres will visit 12 South Gippsland communities, offering Medicare, Centrelink, myGov and Veterans’ Affairs assistance, with accessible facilities and Wi-Fi.
• Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
  West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland men to prioritise prostate cancer checks and highlights specialist nursing support for regional patients
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is urging men to prioritise regular health checks and discuss prostate cancer risks with doctors, highlighting specialist nurses’ vital support for patients, families and regional communities.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges state government to act on urgent on Western Port Woodlands protection controls before caretaker period
  Bass Coast Shire Council has urged the Victorian Government to introduce interim protections for Western Port Woodlands, citing significant biodiversity values and seeking action before caretaker provisions begin on November 3.
• Maryvale Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers upgraded sporting facilities, accessibility and community infrastructure
  Maryvale Recreation Reserve has undergone a $1.39 million redevelopment, delivering accessible cricket facilities, upgraded amenities, improved drainage, resurfacing and safety improvements through state government and Latrobe City Council funding.
• South Gippsland offers more than 40 free and low-cost activities during Victorian Seniors Festival month this October
  South Gippsland will celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival month in October with more than 40 free and low-cost activities, including movement, sport, socialising, learning, arts, culture and creative events for seniors.
• South Gippsland Council awards $122,959 to support 20 community organisations, local projects and other updates on council programs
  South Gippsland Council has awarded $122,959 to 20 groups, while promoting local projects, bridge repairs, weed management, hard waste collections and community programs.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on future of local aquatic facilities and swimming pools before 6 December 2026
  South Gippsland Council is seeking community feedback on the future of aquatic facilities, with ageing infrastructure, changing visitation, rising costs and renewal needs under consideration. Feedback closes December 6.
• South Gippsland Council highlights Seniors Festival 2026, road safety projects, community initiatives and other updates across shire
  South Gippsland Shire Council highlights Seniors Festival events, $2.849 million in road safety funding, a new Nyora public toilet, resilience initiatives, community programs and feedback opportunities across the region.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges election commitments on hospital, roads, transport and infrastructure for growing communities
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging state and federal leaders to support local priorities, including a new hospital, transport, roads, housing, tourism and infrastructure, ahead of Victoria’s November election.
• Latrobe City Council will push six reforms addressing regional investment, housing, infrastructure, funding fairness and sustainability at MAV State Council
  Latrobe City Council will take six reform proposals to the MAV State Council, targeting fairer funding, housing, planning, investment, infrastructure and support for regional communities.
• Bass Coast and South Gippsland businesses invited to connect, collaborate and network at upcoming Meet the Makers event in Meeniyan on 13 October 2026
  Local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland are invited to Meet the Makers in Meeniyan on October 13, offering networking, collaboration and showcasing opportunities.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• Yarram Pool installs new accessibility pod to improve safety, comfort and inclusion for residents with mobility challenges
  Yarram Pool has installed a new accessibility pod following community feedback, providing safer, more comfortable water access for residents with mobility challenges ahead of the summer swimming season.
• East Gippsland Council calls for fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and investment in affected communities before state election
  East Gippsland Council is seeking fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and stronger investment to support affected communities, local economies, jobs and bushfire preparedness.
• Free green waste disposal at South Gippsland transfer stations and other council updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s latest updates cover free green waste disposal, road maintenance, summer fire preparation, community events, bird flu advice, swimming pool feedback, energy planning and local opportunities.