<
https://au.news.yahoo.com/10000-trees-illegally-cut-down-as-aussies-fall-for-firewood-scam-073123146.html>
'As cost of living bites and Australia’s east coast experiences freezing
weather conditions, close to 10,000 trees have been illegally felled in one
state. Authorities suspect many of the logs have been sold to unsuspecting
customers who have been scammed into buying “cheap” firewood.
On Wednesday, Victoria’s Department of Environment (DEECA) revealed roughly 462
hectares of public land was cleared by illegal firewood operators last year.
It’s now concerned the problem is escalating and it’s warning residents to
think twice before purchasing wood through online marketplaces, roadside
stalls, and word of mouth.
"With winter here and factors like rising living pressures and a lack of
community awareness, the demand for cheap firewood is likely to increase," the
agency warned.
A scan by
Yahoo News of popular online marketplaces found trailer loads of
hardwood being sold for as little as $100 a trailer load. "Pay cash at the
time," one ad offering trailer loads for $145 reads. Another offers a wheelie
bin full for $50. Few ads offered any information about where the wood was
sourced from.
But the problem is not confined to Victoria. When Yahoo called the number
attached to an online ad in NSW, the seller refused to reveal where his timber
was sourced from. Even after we said we just wanted to make sure it hadn't come
from a koala tree.
"What are you, a greenie or something?" he said before hanging up.'
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
