A firewood business owner says the black market is keeping him from employing more staffAuthorities say the theft of firewood is dangerous and environmentally irresponsible
Mr Edwards estimates illegal operators cost his Wynyard firewood business in Tasmania's north-west up to $1 million every year. "I could quite easily sell another 5,000 to 10,000 cubic metres per year if [not] for these guys," Paul Edwards said.At a time of crippling unemployment, he said he would employ another six people — if it wasn't for the black market.
"You can go anywhere in Burnie and Wynyard and see trailers parked on the side of the road with cash sales for firewood," he said.He said while rogue operators were stealing timber with no overheads, he paid up to $3,000 just for a logging plan to safely and responsibly harvest timber and firewood."They don't collect GST and they don't pay income tax.Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Regional Manager Nic Deka agrees there is a problem.
"In just one conservation area in the central highlands, 122 trees have been unlawfully felled since the beginning of the year," Mr Deka said.Authorities say the theft of firewood is dangerous and environmentally irresponsible.
We have a shit load of firewood we are giving away to friends because that's what friends do
Well Paul should pay his suppliers more then.
Fireplaces are polluting, dirty, filthy things... Should be banned..!
Are we allowed to use the term Black market 🤔
It's only a black market because the government isn't getting their cut. If ony they'd focus on the real tax dodgers ie: family trusts, off shoring and tax agent skulduggery. But they won't it's an owner class society we live in shilled for and supported by our ABC 🤮🤮🤮🤮.
'black market' I thought we'd moved on from those racist terms.
$100 per cubic metre he is a thief. luckily people shop around