A Melton man has been caught twice in one day illegally cutting and removing River Red Gum timber from Reedy Lake Wildlife Reserve, northwest of Nagambie.
Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers first intercepted the mn during a targeted patrol as he cut up a recently felled, dead River Read Gum tree. He admitted he was processing it for firewood and was told he’d receive three infringement notices for unlawful tree felling in a wildlife reserve, operating a vehicle off-road on public land, and illegally cutting and removing timber. Officers made him unload the timber and warned further offences could see his equipment seized.
But just hours later, under the cover of darkness, he returned. With assistance from Victoria Police, officers intercepted his vehicle towing a trailer loaded with freshly cut timber. His trailer, timber, and chainsaw were seized. Investigations are ongoing and the man is expected to face court.
