Four men have been hit with on-the-spot fines for illegally cutting wood in a reserve in Gowrie Park in the state’s north-west.
The Devonport and East Devonport residents – aged 24, 31, 33 and 37 – were intercepted by Parks and Wildlife Service officers and Tasmania Police within the reserve on Monday.
Each man received a fine of $852.
Two of them were also fined an additional $410 each for driving a motor vehicle within the reserve.
Senior Sergeant Martin Parker of the Latrobe Police Station said police had received numerous reports of illegal wood cutting.
He urged community members to be vigilant and only purchase firewood from reputable sellers.
“The cutting of firewood from reserves without a permit is illegal and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, in conjunction with Tasmania Police, will continue operations to apprehend those responsible,” he said.
“People committing these offences can be issued with hefty fines and risk having their chainsaws and associated equipment seized.”
Parker also warned that cutting firewood from private property without the owner’s permission or from land owned by Sustainable Timber Tasmania, is illegal and could result in court proceedings.
Anyone with information about illegal firewood cutting or sales can contact police on 131 444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.
