By RMIT students David Allen, Drew Baker, Lily Kristanto and Oliver Winn
Firewood being sold across Melbourne’s west is likely coming from Wombat State Forest, which is not meant to be commercially sold, activists say.
Wombat Forest is home to multiple native endangered species of fauna and flora, which ecologists say are being placed at grave risk by government clearing work.
A Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) website says storm debris clearance work underway in Wombat Forest is not commercial, but a department spokesperson told The Westsider some timber cleared was being sold.
“Removed timber and debris may be used for community purposes such as free firewood, or used for small-scale commercial purposes such as for firewood processors,” a DEECA spokesperson said.
The Victorian National Parks Association’s (VPNA) website says the bulk of the state’s firewood comes from native forests.
VNPA nature conservation campaigner Ben Gill said areas of Wombat Forest should be made available to regulated domestic firewood collection only.
“Rather than having 25 to 45 tonne machines coming in and creating soil compaction and creating massive damage to the forest floor, VNPA has advocated that local mum and dads should have access to firewood and should be able to harvest it … in a far more low impact and ecologically friendly way,” Mr Gill said.
Australian National University forest ecologist Professor David Lindenmayer warned burning firewood generated “particulate matter” that was very dangerous to human health.
Victoria’s Environmental Protection Agency recommends dry, seasoned, untreated hardwood for wood fires.
It also warns it can exacerbate heart and lung conditions, and diabetes, and is of greater risk to pregnant women, children, smokers and people aged over 65.
A University of New South Wales report released in August found smoke released from fire heaters was the largest source of particulate pollution in Australian towns and cities, despite being used by less than 10 percent of households.
Wombat Action Group campaigner Amy Carlton says locals are “confused and angry” about the severity of clearing work underway in Wombat Forest.
“It’s been amazing how many times forest logging has ‘ended’ out here,” she said.
