Message from the Chief Conservation Regulator
| |
Welcome to the first edition of Conservation Matters for 2024.
It was great to see so many Victorians enjoying their summer holidays with camping trips and beach excursions, and we made sure our Conservation Regulator teams were out-and-about to educate and support compliance. Thank you to those who behaved responsibly and had a chat with our Forest and Wildlife Officers in the field.
Victorian campers continue to make the most of the autumn heat, but we’re urging them to be smarter with their campfires after a disappointing Labour Day long weekend where some ignored the hot, dry conditions and elevated fire danger, putting the community and environment at risk.
Last month, the Conservation Regulator’s most significant wildlife cruelty case, which investigated and charged two companies and one individual over the deaths and injuries of koalas at Cape Bridgewater in 2019-20, was finalised. The Magistrate fined the landowner $34,000 for his part in clearing vegetation and impacting a population of koalas on his property. As you’ll read below, it was the last of three matters to resolve in relation to this major investigation.
Also in this edition, we provide an update on education efforts beyond the campsite, praise the unlikely success of a unique hooded plover pair, discuss the worrying illegal tyre dumping trend, and outline some key things to remember this autumn firewood collection season.
Remember, you can also get more frequent updates from us between Conservation Matters editions by following the Conservation Regulator on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
We hope you enjoy this edition!
Kate Gavens
Chief Conservation Regulator
| |
$34,000 for landowner guilty of koala cruelty at Cape Bridgewater
| |
|
A Cape Bridgewater landowner failed “to prevent cruelty to animals” when he cleared his property
| |
On Friday 23 February, the final court case relating to koala deaths and injuries at Cape Bridgewater in 2019-20 was resolved at Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court, with the landowner fined $34,000 after pleading guilty to four cruelty charges, including one of aggravated cruelty.
The 85-year-old man admitted to wounding, and causing or likely causing unreasonable pain, suffering, and fatal injuries to koalas when he cleared 30 hectares of habitat from his property, intending to turn it into sheep pastures. Koalas were wounded, starved, dehydrated and/or killed after they were reportedly trapped on site by the man’s 2.28-metre-high boundary fence while trees were bulldozed from the former blue gum plantation.
In sentencing, Magistrate Lethbridge said he failed to meet his “obligations to prevent cruelty to animals”.
“The days have long passed when contractors and farmers can ride rough shot over wildlife,” His Honour said.
In January and February 2020, approximately 250 koalas were found at the site, and sadly, more than 70 of them were either deceased or required euthanasia. Qualified vets concluded that most of the animals suffered from severe starvation and dehydration, and many had sustained major or unsurvivable injuries, including one koala found dead and impaled on a stick. More than 180 koalas were able to be released back into the wild, either at alternative locations either directly following the incident or once they had been rehabilitated.
The two businesses contracted by the owner were also charged and prosecuted. They were fined a total of $99,000 after pleading guilty in December 2022 and November 2023 to their roles in clearing vegetation from the former blue gum plantation and disturbing the koala population.
All three court outcomes follow a major response and thorough investigation by the Conservation Regulator, with the assistance of wildlife volunteers, veterinarians, and staff from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Parks Victoria, Zoos Victoria, and Victoria Police.
This result is the last step in finalising this investigation and should serve as a reminder to all landowners that they are responsible for understanding and obeying their legal obligations while conducting any works on their property to ensure wildlife welfare is protected.
The Conservation Regulator appreciates there has been considerable interest in this case and acknowledge that this result would not have been possible without community support. We take all allegations of wildlife crime seriously and we urge the community to report any suspected wildlife cruelty to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
| |
These affected koalas were rehabilitated by local carers
| |
Don’t ignore campfire safety - the risk is too high!
| |
Campfires can become bushfires faster than you think
| |
Although summer is over, Victoria continues to experience record-breaking heat and dangerous fire days. Irresponsible and risky behaviour from campers who ignore weather conditions and fire danger warnings and restrictions could easily turn their campfire into a devastating bushfire.
Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers were particularly disappointed by the number of illegal and unattended campfires detected throughout the entire Labour Day long weekend, including more than 40 campfires still alight during a Total Fire Ban, a number that could have been much higher had officers not intervened to prevent several other people from also lighting fires. Over the three-days, several campers were fined or warned for breaching other campfire rules, including leaving them unattended and failing to clear flammable materials from around their fire.
Since 1 January 2024, more than 190 unattended campfires have been recorded in state parks and forests, and as hot weather continues well into autumn, there is a significant risk of these campfires escaping and spreading rapidly out of control, as witnessed in multiple areas recently.
Last month, a campfire escaped at the Rocklands Reservoir near the Grampians during a Total Fire Ban and while campers tried to minimise the damage, it burned 1000m2 before fire crews arrived. Two weeks ago, an unattended campfire quickly grew to a two-hectare bushfire at Red Box Campground near the Wellington River in Gippsland. Both incidents required significant emergency responses.
It’s important for people to follow all warnings and restrictions and use their judgement and common sense. If in doubt, and if the weather conditions are hot, dry, and/or windy – it’s not the time for a campfire.
Weather forecasts and fire warnings can be found online through the Bureau of Meteorology, or via the VicEmergency website, app, or hotline on 1800 226 226. Campers can also stay informed by using a portable radio to listen in to their local station for updates.
The community can also assist us by reporting illegal and unattended campfires to us 136 186. Bushfires to be reported to 000.
| |
Fanfare for Lorne’s first hooded plover pair
| |
Lorne beach has some fresh faces!
| |
Way back in December, a ground-breaking event, which had both bird and beach lovers captivated, began in Victoria’s south-west. For the first time on record, hooded plovers nested on Lorne beach!
The breeding pair were spotted and reported to BirdLife Australia by a keen local, and after quickly confirming the sighting, BirdLife and the land manager installed fencing and signage on-site to protect the birds. One of the birds, named RA White, had previously nested at Moggs Creek, but after too many lost nests and disturbances, gave up the territory and moved to the bustling Lorne beach, a particularly risky move considering the area’s popularity over the summer holidays.
‘Hoodies’ face serious risk of beachgoers trampling their nests and can have nest failure rates of up to 90%, but in defiance of this statistic, the rare pair quickly became even more remarkable in January, when their two eggs successfully hatched. Once hatched, chicks take about 35 days to learn to fly, a time when they’re particularly vulnerable to predators and visitors, but in February, the Lorne chicks both took flight and beat their fledging odds!
The success of Lorne’s hooded plovers is thanks to the local community, devoted volunteers, and land managers who all helped monitor and raise awareness of the birds, and Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria Authorised Officers who patrolled the beach to enforce protection rules.
And to continue our hooded plover education efforts up the surf coast, Forest and Wildlife Officers stopped by the High Line Surf Fest in Torquay on 9 March, chatting with local surfers, beachgoers, and their dogs to ensure they know how to protect their local hoodies too.
Every engagement event and conservation intervention on Victoria’s coast helps increase the survival odds for vulnerable hooded plovers, and their presence in never-before seen locations is an encouraging sign for the species.
“And best of all, we now have two more fledglings to add to the population of these threatened birds,” celebrated Bron Ives, a volunteer and so-called ‘BirdLife warden’.
| |
We all need to give our hoodies a helping hand (or paw)
| |
More than 400 total tyres were found dumped across the Kenny and Kimbolton State Forests in October 2023
| |
Illegal tyre dumping has become a disturbing trend across Victoria with more than 2,700 car and truck tyres found in forests and parks last year. We’re urging Victorian households and businesses to dispose of their used tyres legally and responsibly to prevent serious environmental harm.
In 2023, the Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria recorded at least 60 separate illegal dumping incidents involving personal or commercial quantities of tyres across Victorian public land, and Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria estimates thousands more have been dumped, burned, or stockpiled.
Discarded tyres can seriously impact environmental health and present an incredibly dangerous fire risk, by poisoning plants and animals as they break down and potentially fuelling hotter and harder to control bushfires. When recycled responsibly, not only are these risks reduced, but tyres can be turned into other products, like roads and artificial playground turf.
The community can spare the environment and help by legally disposing their used tyres at:
- Recycling centres: facilities such as local council transfer stations often take individual or small quantities of tyres for a small fee.
- Tyre outlets: most accept old tyres as part of government recycling schemes, either for free if people have purchased new tyres from their shop, or for a small fee if brought from elsewhere.
People should always check if their local council, recycling facility, or individual tyre seller will accept tyres before dropping them off. Click here for information on local council waste services.
In Victoria, it is an offence to dump litter or waste with maximum penalties ranging between $3,846 and $230,772 under the Environment Protection Act 2017. Any littering or dumping on public land should be reported to us 136 186 or to EPA Victoria on 1300 372 842
| |
New wildlife guidance materials available
| |
New guidance helps outline how to legally manage, rehome, and care for wildlife
| |
We’ve made a few updates to the wildlife guidance information on the Conservation Regulator website following feedback from stakeholders and licence holders, with advice now available on preparing Wildlife Management Plans, what to consider when rehoming wildlife, and the rights and obligations of vets when treating wildlife.
Wildlife Management Plans are developed to holistically address a wildlife issue and must specify the species, relevant issues, location and site of the problem, and the management actions required to address the problem. Our Wildlife Management Plan guide and checklist helps land managers understand their obligations when preparing a wildlife management plan, including the need for consultation with a qualified ecologist, and the details required by the Conservation Regulator to support applications for activities needing authorisation.
Native wildlife can be good pets, but we know that challenges can arise meaning owners can’t continue providing the care they need and rehoming is the best option. To help support wildlife owners through this process, we have created the Rehoming wildlife guide, which provides advice on selling or giving away wildlife, licensing requirements, and protecting wildlife welfare. It’s also important that native animals receive expert care from experienced and qualified individuals, and our latest guidance on Veterinary care for wildlife helps clarify who can legally provide care, treatment, and rehabilitation for sick, injured, orphaned, or abandoned wildlife.
These new resources have been created and published online to help improve public and industry understanding of wildlife laws, including their objectives and how to comply, to make sure wildlife is protected no matter how you interact with them.
| |
Take care while collecting firewood this autumn
| |
Collectors urged not to risk our wildlife or their safety this autumn firewood season
| |
As autumn progresses, many Victorians are turning their attention towards sourcing firewood to ensure their homes stay warm this winter. From 1 March to 30 June, Victorians can collect firewood for personal use from designated collection areas in state forests, by following collection rules and safety guidelines to protect wildlife habitat, natural resources, and the community.
Much of our native wildlife relies on the hollows in both standing and fallen trees for survival, including threatened species like the red-tailed black cockatoo, lace monitor, and spotted-tailed quoll, and any loss or damage to habitat trees puts them at significant risk.
When collecting, please remember to:
- Stick to designated areas: It is illegal to take timber from outside these zones.
- Take the right wood: Only fallen timber without moss, fungi and hollows can be collected. Do not cut down or damage any standing trees.
- Obey collection limits: Individuals can gather up to two cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic meters per household per financial year.
- Prioritise safety: Always wear the appropriate protective clothing and stay alert for overhead trees or limbs that could fall.
- Follow all other public land laws: Drive only on formed legal roads and take all rubbish home.
With Victoria continuing to experience hot, dry conditions and a high bushfire risk, firewood collectors should check weather forecasts before leaving home and consider postponing their collection until conditions are safer to avoid inadvertently sparking a fire.
Authorised Officers conduct regular patrols in state forests, including designated collection areas, to target firewood theft and enforce collection limits. Those caught breaking the rules face penalties between $385 and $9,615 and/or one year in prison for each offence.
We also rely on community information to help combat illegal firewood activity by reporting what they know to 136 186.
| |
Geared up and ready to engage
| |
Over the last few months, our education focus has extended beyond the campsite, with Conservation Regulator Forest and Wildlife Officers jumping aboard a joint-agency boat patrol, as well as attending events with vehicle and wildlife groups.
In January, officers from the Loddon Mallee team conducted a compliance patrol on the Murray River with local teams from Forest Fire Management Victoria and Victoria Police. Boats are not a standard method for the Conservation Regulator, but from the water, the team had a great visual presence and easy access to campsites that are normally more difficult to reach by car. Australia Day drew lots of campers and day-trippers to the area, and officers engaged with more than 120 people.
Last month, Authorised Officers from Gippsland and Hume geared up and headed out to events with both two- and four-wheel vehicle enthusiasts. Teams attended the Victorian 4WD show and the Open Roads Rally, a social trail bike riding event with more than 350 participants. Both events were a great chance to chat with recreational drivers and riders about off-road and campfire rules on Victorian public land.
On Saturday 9 March, the Conservation Regulator engaged with hundreds of pet owners and reptile enthusiasts at the Victorian Herpetological Society’s Reptile & Amphibian Expo and helped educate people on how they can help protect native wildlife by keeping their cold-blooded pets safely and legally. And it was great to meet so many Victorians who either have a wildlife licence or are considering applying for one.
Every one of these activities was a great opportunity to engage with different Victorian communities and strengthen our relationships with other agencies to ensure everyone is playing their part in protecting native wildlife and the environment.
| |
Conservation Regulator teams are always out and about!
| |
For the first two weeks of April every year it's Annual Wildlife Return season!
| |
Wildlife licence holders have between 31 March and 14 April to submit their Annual Returns, and the fastest and easiest way to submit your form (and to ensure you meet the deadline) is online.
An Annual Return is a summary of the wildlife transactions from your Wildlife Record Book, including any animals that have come into or left your wildlife collection in the last 12 months. It is a record-keeping obligation under wildlife licence conditions. The details in these forms gives us a state-wide overview of who owns and trades wildlife, and this information helps us protect and manage native wildlife.
And a reminder that Annual Returns are NOT a licence renewal and no payment is required. A payment notice will be sent to you six weeks before your licence is due to expire.
If you can’t access the digital form, you can request a printed copy by calling 136 186.
| |
Wildlife offences
- A Violet Town woman will next face court next month over her alleged involvement in the deaths of hundreds of birds of prey, including Wedge-tailed eagles.
- A landowner was fined $34,000 without conviction after admitting to wounding, and causing or likely causing unreasonable pain, suffering, and fatal injuries to 70 koalas when he cleared habitat from his Cape Bridgewater property in 2019 and 2020.
Firewood offences
- A 39-year-old Kyneton man was convicted and fined $3000 after pleading guilty to two charges of damaging wildlife habitat and illegally cutting timber in the Metcalfe State Forest in September 2022.
To learn more about these cases and other Conservation Regulator news, visit our Latest News page.
| |
Thank you for reading this edition of Conservation Matters. We hope you found it interesting and relevant. The next newsletter will come your way in three months’ time.
We are keen to hear from you about your thoughts on this edition and what topics you would like included in future editions. You can do this by sending an us an email.
To stay in touch on the day-to-day operations of the Conservation Regulator, you can always follow us on Twitter and Facebook:
| |
You can unsubscribe from this newsletter by clicking opt out below.
If you received the newsletter through a friend or colleague, and would like to receive future editions, click below.
| |
|
|
|
|