Protecting our nature reserves

Published on 22 September 2017

Over the last month, firewood theft by members of the public has been observed in Cataract Gorge Reserve in Trevallyn. City of Launceston would like to remind neighbours and visitors that collecting firewood is not permitted in any bushland reserve managed by City of Launceston or the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area managed by Parks and Wildlife Service. These reserves have conservation value and provide important habitat for a range of native wildlife. Standing and fallen dead wood provides shelter and nesting sites for insects, birds, bats, small mammals, frogs and reptiles. Collecting wood removes habitat, creates unnecessary tracks, tramples vegetation and can spread weeds and disease. Our reserves have many visitors and operating a chainsaw particularly near tracks and trails is unsafe.

To collect firewood, you must either do it on your own land, have permission from the land owner or have a permit from Sustainable Timber Tasmania to collect from designated areas, otherwise it is considered trespass and stealing.

Members of the public are asked to contact the City of Launceston during office hours or the Police after hours if they see fire wood theft in our reserves. Please provide details including location, time and vehicle registration. Anyone caught stealing firewood from our reserves may face charges of stealing, trespass or unlawful possession and fines of up to 10 penalty units ($1590).