Media release – Centre for Safe Air, 24 August 2023
Plan to phase-out winter wood smoke welcomed by the Centre for Safe Air
The Centre for Safe Air welcomes the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government’s plan to phase-out winter wood smoke and support communities to transition to healthier heating technologies.
Whether from bushfires or wood heaters, Australian states and territories increasingly recognise the enormous health impacts associated with exposure to smoke pollution.
Fay Johnston, Professor of Public Health at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research and the Director of the Centre for Safe Air, a National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence, said wood smoke poses a serious health risk particularly for older and younger people, pregnant women, and those living with chronic health conditions.
“The Centre for Safe Air commends the leadership shown by the ACT government and supports the policy direction of moving away from polluting combustion-based appliances in homes,” said Professor Johnston.
Less than 10% of households own a wood heater, but burning wood for heating is the largest source of air pollution in many Australian cities and towns.
Each year pollution from wood heaters is responsible for an estimated 269 premature deaths in greater Sydney, 65 in Tasmania and 14 in Armidale.
“By increasing the uptake of healthier and more efficient technologies such as reverse cycle air conditioners, the ACT has taken decisive action to reduce the community burden of many illnesses including asthma, heart attacks and strokes. Everyone will benefit.
“These policies will protect the health of Canberrans through action to reduce winter air pollution.
“However, we note the 20-year time frame proposed and also advocate for more immediate steps to resolve the important problem faced by many people in the community who experience serious pollution and health impacts from near-by chimneys.
“Regulation needs to keep up with the evidence. The historical approach of managing toxic emissions as an environmental hazard or a nuisance rather than as a health hazard is no longer fit for purpose.
“We commend the ACT’s intention to provide financial incentives and support so that all Territorians can access more efficient and healthier heating technologies.”
Clive Stott
August 25, 2023 at 20:17
Let’s not sugar coat it, this is a disgusting result. 2045! In line with environmental recommendations? CEO of Asthma Australia, Ms Goldman, said ‘People with asthma and carers of children affected will be very relieved by this news … ”
Interesting, eh? Asthmatics — keep your will up to date!
But then why should people get rid of their wood heaters when Forestry (both government and private) has huge smoky burns, councils and TFS have registered smoky burns, aboriginals have cool smoky burns, people with wood fire pits and wood barbeques have burns, and people have back-yard smoky burns.
Everyone needs to know wood smoke can ruin their health, not just that of susceptible groups.
– Sir Stephen Holgate, National Clean Air Conference Nov. 20/21. Add to this COPD studies.
We have known since 2013 there there is no minimum safe level when the WHO declared air pollution and PM2.5 to both be Group 1 carcinogens. Now some people seem happy to have another 20 years to act. In the meantime, this long phase out time for wood heaters allows us to be sealed inside with portable air purifiers so the outdoor burning can continue. Stop the smoke at the source!
Portable air purifiers can be noisy and drafty. Their specifications are calculated to be run at the highest speed which means people feel the need to turn their heating up higher – which costs more. Portable purifiers take power to run and their filters cost money to change. They need to be in a sealed off room.
Who wants to live like this sealed up in your own home so smoke can continue for another 20+ years?
http://www.cleanairtas.com
Thinker
August 26, 2023 at 20:10
Does section 53A of the EMPCA apply in this case?
https://epa.tas.gov.au/about-the-epa/policy-legislation-cooperative-arrangements/acts-regulations/empca
53A. Evidentiary provision for environmental nuisance
Smoke Regulations:
https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/sr-2019-034
Clive Stott
August 27, 2023 at 04:02
When you compare, Tasmania has some of the best air pollution controls in Australia.
If Canberra had followed Tasmania regarding wood heaters, many Canberrans would not have to be suffering wood heater smoke until the phasing out of these appliances in 20 years’ time.
According to the Legislation website, our EMPCA 1994 is still current. I have used its Section 53A successfully in the past. Sometimes there are other Acts to be considered, so it is best to put any specific concerns to the EPA or the Strategic and Legal Services Section.
If you listen to Professor Fay Johnston on ABC Mornings dated 25/8/2023, and starting at 51 minutes into the program, it appears, if I heard her correctly, that there is no plan for a total ban on wood heating in Tasmania. However, none of us should be sealed up inside our homes with portable air purifiers while deliberately generated outdoor smoke continues. This is not an option.
Stop the smoke at the source!
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/hobart-mornings/mornings/102752022?fbclid=IwAR3XBZnvyXS1I6qYaefDOosoDtPz9eqvruwKfHWfSQodWAF1jBwsI4U7Rmc