Two transport workers have been convicted and fined following an investigation into illegal timber harvesting in Victoria’s Tarnagulla State Forest, in the broader Bendigo region. The case involved the unlawful removal of native timber and has highlighted concerns about the protection of public forests, native vegetation and habitat for threatened wildlife.

The offences occurred in May 2025, when conservation officers intercepted a truck carrying timber that investigators determined had been illegally harvested from the state forest. The timber reportedly included ironbark, a native Australian tree species that forms an important part of the forest ecosystem.

The two men involved were identified as Terry Kleeven, 45, and Wayne Stevens, 53. Both pleaded guilty to multiple offences associated with the illegal logging operation. Following the guilty pleas, the men were convicted and each received a fine of $11,000.

The court also imposed an additional $600 fine on Kleeven relating to heavy-vehicle and logbook offences. The additional penalty reflected offences connected with the transportation of the illegally harvested timber.

The environmental impact of the offending was an important aspect of the case. The court heard that the illegal harvesting caused damage to native vegetation and tree hollows within the forest. Tree hollows are particularly important because they provide nesting and shelter sites for a range of Australian native animals and birds.

Among the species potentially affected by the loss of suitable habitat is the Swift Parrot, a critically endangered Australian bird. Swift Parrots rely heavily on flowering eucalyptus trees and suitable habitat during their seasonal movements. The protection of mature trees and tree hollows is therefore important for maintaining habitat for threatened species.

Illegal timber harvesting can have consequences beyond the removal of individual trees. Unauthorised logging can disturb vegetation, damage surrounding habitat and reduce the availability of natural resources for wildlife. When mature trees containing hollows are removed or damaged, the ecological effects can continue for many years because replacement hollows can take a long time to develop naturally.

The convictions demonstrate the role of conservation officers and environmental authorities in monitoring protected forests and investigating suspected illegal timber activity. Officers can use inspections, vehicle checks, timber identification and other evidence to establish whether timber has been lawfully obtained.

The case also highlights the responsibilities of people working in the transport and timber industries. Transporting timber requires compliance with environmental rules as well as road and heavy-vehicle requirements. Accurate records and logbooks are also important in allowing authorities to trace the origin and movement of timber.

The fines imposed by the court provide a legal penalty for the offences and reinforce the importance of following Victoria’s environmental protection laws. However, the case also draws attention to the wider environmental consequences that can result when protected forest resources are removed without authorisation.

For communities around Bendigo and central Victoria, state forests are important natural areas that provide habitat for wildlife as well as opportunities for recreation and tourism. Protecting these areas requires cooperation between authorities, land managers, businesses and members of the public.

The convictions follow the investigation into the 2025 incident, with both men having now been dealt with by the court after entering guilty pleas.