Forestry Corporation of NSW, Media Release, 21 February 2024

Forestry Corporation is monitoring state forests in the Bathurst area after a recent spate of illegal dumping incidents.

Forest rangers have found piles of plastic coating that has been burnt off cabling at several state forest locations in the area.

Evidence found at one burn site in Sunny Corner State Forest enabled Forestry Corporation to identify and contact a local business, which advised that a large quantity of cabling had recently been stolen.

It is suspected that the offenders burn the plastic conduit off the wire, as bare wire fetches higher prices with scrap metal dealers than plastic coated cable.

“When staff find one of these sites, we notify police,” Forestry Corporation Ranger Paul Robb said.

“A key concern for Forestry Corporation is the risk that the fires will spread into the pine plantations.

“There is also a cost to Forestry Corporation to remove the leftover wire coating and associated rubbish from the state forests,” Mr Robb said.

Forestry Corporation is increasing patrols and monitoring to identify illegal activity and has called on the public to contact authorities if they witness anything suspicious in state forests.

“A recent illegal dumping incident also saw asbestos dumped in a state forest, which had to be removed from the site by a certified contractor. Illegal dumping of hazardous materials creates a huge public safety risk and is an unnecessary cost to the public service,” Mr Robb said.

Acts of illegal dumping on Crown Land and in State forests can be reported directly to the NSW EPA on 131 555, NSW Police 131 444 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Along with on-the-spot fines for individuals of $4000 to $7500, the penalties for illegal dumping in NSW are severe and can include fines of up to $250,000 for individuals and up to $1 million for corporations. 

Repeat offenders can face additional penalties, including imprisonment.

Find out more about Forestry Corporation at www.forestrycorporation.com.au.