Sheed: chainsaws are going day and night

Illegal logging activity in Shepparton and Mooroopna has a local politician calling for tougher punishments.

State Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed wants Victorian Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio to increase penalties for illegal logging and support rangers in their policing work.

In State Parliament recently, Ms Sheed used her question without notice to describe the amount of illegal logging activity for commercial gain happening in Shepparton.

“A number of constituents who live close to the forest in Shepparton and Mooroopna have reported to me that they hear chainsaws being used at all hours of the day and night,” the Independent MP told parliament.

Ms Sheed said she was not referring to stealing firewood for personal own use, but much larger, organised operations.

Ms D’Ambrosio said her department would be initiating a review of firewood and reviewing the current penalties regime.

Local concern surrounds large-scale firewood collection in the areas of Reedy Swamp, Gemmill Swamp and Loch Garry.