Illegal firewood trade harming WA forests and hurting businesses
Residents, businesses and community leaders say the sound of chainsaws and the sight of newly felled trees are becoming too frequent, and they want tougher action.
Illegal firewood gathering is causing damage to the landscape and financial losses for businesses in Western Australia's South West forests, according to residents. The Shire of Donnybrook Balingup plans to investigate measures to safeguard its forests from this unlawful activity. Collecting firewood in unauthorized areas of national parks, nature reserves, and conservation estates is prohibited in WA, with penalties of up to $500,000 or 12 months imprisonment.
In the South West region, there have been 116 cautions, infringements, and prosecutions for unlawfully taking forest produce in the last three years. However, locals and businesses claim that enforcement is insufficient, and illegal harvesting significantly impacts the environment. Donnybrook resident Colleen Bandy has observed chainsaws and noticed felled trees near her home, stating that it devastates the loss of habitat, particularly when large trees with hollows are felled, as they provide shelter for birds and possums.
Geoff North, a farm forester in Walpole, complains that illegal firewood sales undercut legitimate businesses, making it difficult for customers to sell their wood at a fair price. The Shire of Donnybrook Balingup recently approved a motion for its chief executive officer to submit a report on the issue, with community leaders advocating for more direct action to protect local forests from illicit harvesting.
The Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) permits firewood collection only from designated areas of state forest in the Perth Hills and South West, conducting targeted patrols during autumn and winter to address known hotspots.
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