Why the illegal firewood trade in WA's South West matters for forests, wildlife and local businesses

Local residents say illegal firewood gathering is damaging the landscape and undercutting businesses across WA's South West forests.

Colleen Bandy, a Donnybrook resident, told reporters she often hears chainsaws and has watched live Jarrah trees being felled in non‑designated bush areas, destroying habitat trees whose hollows shelter birds and possums.

Removing firewood from national parks, nature reserves and other conservation estates is illegal throughout WA and can attract fines of up to $500,000 or 12 months in prison.

A Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) spokesperson said that in the past three years there have been 116 cautions, infringements and prosecutions for unlawful forest‑produce taking in the South West.

Geoff North, a farm forester in Walpole, explained that illegal firewood undercuts legitimate businesses, making it hard for his customers to sell wood at a decent return.

The Shire of Donnybrook Balingup unanimously voted to investigate ways to protect its forests and has asked its chief executive officer to prepare a report on the issue.

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