Australian National University has reported that widespread illegal logging near water catchment areas used for drinking and agriculture is putting Melbourne’s drinking water at risk.
ANU scientist Chris Taylor noticed that the increase in illegal logging in steep slope areas has been prompted by a shortage of wood in Victoria.
Scientists are still waiting for the logging audit to release after submitting the report to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) auditors, who are assessing VicForests' latest attempt to have their products labelled as responsibly sourced.