Greater Shepparton residents are being urged to take care when buying firewood this winter, as authorities warn illegal wood collection is impacting forests north of the region.
Crime Stoppers Victoria and the Conservation Regulator have launched the Illegal Firewood: The Cost is Wild campaign, highlighting that thousands of trees are being illegally removed each year, with some of the timber sold locally.
Officials say buyers may unknowingly support environmental crime if they purchase unverified firewood. Residents are being encouraged to buy from reputable suppliers, ask for proof of where the wood was sourced, and request a receipt with a business name and ABN.
Suspicious activity, including chainsaw use in forests at unusual hours or sellers unable to verify the origin of firewood, can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers at crimestoppersvic.com.au or call 1800 333 000.
