The Department of Land, Environment, Water and Planning alleged the property to be involved in the illegal removal of a commercial quantity of firewood from Wombat State Forest. 

A four-wheel-drive ute, a hydraulic splitter, a chainsaw and small hand tools were seized during the search. 

DELWP regional manager forest and fire operations Peter Kambouris said the search warrant was conducted under Operation Block Splitter, a state-wide program targeting the illegal removal of commercial quantities of firewood from Victoria's public land.

“Firewood is a diminishing resource not only within the Wombat State Forest but across Victoria, especially where there are smaller areas of disconnected public land,” he said. 

“The illegal collection of firewood has the potential to negatively impact on the environmental values within the forest through the removal of habitat, including the felling of hollow bearing trees, some of which are more than 100 years old.”

Those caught supplying illegal firewood could face the potential confiscation of equipment used, and a fine of up to $7928 for each offence. Offenders may be imprisoned for up to one year if the matters are prosecuted in court.

Officers from DELWP conducted the search with the support of Victoria Police 

If you are aware of the illegal sale of firewood or any unauthorised activity relating to firewood on Victorian public land, you can report it to DELWP on 136 186 by mentioning ‘Operation Block Splitter’ or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.