Tongala man convicted for illegal tree felling near Echuca

The conviction is the result of a targeted surveillance operation, Operation Curlew, conducted by Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers in 2019 when they noticed a large number of dead, standing River Red Gum trees had been felled and removed from the area.

Concealed cameras and ongoing patrols helped officers gather intelligence which led to the execution of a search warrant in July 2019 at the man’s property where the felled wood was discovered.

The man was convicted last week in the Echuca Magistrates’ Court for breaches under the Forests Act 1958, Wildlife Regulations 2013 and Land Conservation (Vehicle Control) Regulations 2013, including illegally taking felled trees, damaging wildlife habitat and driving off road on public land.

Conservation Regulator Loddon Mallee Regulatory Program Manager, Georgia de Salis, said the removal of the River Red Gum trees had significantly reduced habitat for several wildlife species which rely on tree hollows to survive.

“The Kanyapella Wildlife Reserve contains important habitat for animals such as the Squirrel Glider, Brush-tailed Phascogale and Barking Owl, as well as threatened birds including the Bush Stone-curlew,” Ms de Salis said.

“It can take hundreds of years for nature to create tree hollows which provide this essential habitat for birds, mammals and reptiles, which is why the Conservation Regulator is committed to investigating and prosecuting people who destroy these precious wildlife havens.”

This is the third conviction from Operation Curlew, with two other men convicted for similar offences in February 2021. One man, in connection with the Tongala man was convicted and fined $2,500 for taking felled Red Gum wood and the other, a separate party was convicted of similar charges and fined $2,000.

Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers continue to patrol the state’s north to educate and ensure people are doing the right thing.

The community can report the illegal cutting or removal of firewood anonymously by calling 136 186.

For more information about firewood collection rules in Victoria, visit Firewood Regulation.