Nine people from the Queenstown area are facing charges including stealing and trespassing as part of joint operation between Tasmania Police and Sustainable Timber Tasmania targeting the illegal harvesting of timber in the Central Highlands.
Authorities have used surveillance and targeted patrols as part of the crackdown on the illegal collection of timber, including the collection of timber for firewood, a practice commonly referred to as wood-hooking.
Police have seized more than 200 tonnes of firewood in the operation.
"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."
Police issued a reminder that to collect firewood, you must either do it on your own land, have permission from the landowner, or have a permit from Sustainable Timber Tasmania or the relevant owner of that property.
Permits must be always carried when collecting and carting firewood. In all other cases, it is classified as stealing and anyone detected may face charges of stealing, trespass or unlawful possession as well as forfeiture of the firewood and equipment.
If you are purchasing from a firewood supplier, check to make sure that the wood has not been illegally sourced.
Reputable firewood dealers should be able to provide you with assurances of where the wood has come from.
Purchasing wood from suppliers who are members of the Australian Firewood Association is an easy way to be confident that your wood has been sourced legally.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au
