A REPORT into policies, plans and strategies for managing wood heaters in the ACT found they were insufficient to protect human health and the environment.

The report – “Can Canberra ‘Burn Right Tonight’ or is there ‘no safe level of air pollution’?” – was released earlier this year by the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Sophie Lewis. 

Dr Lewis said it came about through complaints to her office, against wood smoke and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

“Prior to the community complaints we received, I didn’t truly appreciate the extent of air pollution through wood smoke, I didn’t quite get the full scale of the problem,” she says.

“There’s a big knowledge gap, and I understand some people are very passionate about their wood heaters, or they rely on them, but we need to emphasise the fundamental issues.

“The report lists recommendations, including reducing wood-heater usage over time, as well as raising awareness on best burning practices.”

As part of the investigation, two case studies were undertaken, with Case Study 1, referred to as Mr A, following the story of David Bolton, that “CityNews” published in June.

David, through the eyes of his son, Matthew, suffered from an unsympathetic battle, as he fought the ACT government and the EPA over his neighbour’s wood-smoke pollution.

“At one stage dad was really impacted by the smoke, and he had to go to hospital,” Matthew said.

While it’s now too late to solve the problem for David, Matthew is desperate to see change, and he is not the only one.

Since the commissioner’s report was released, organisations have come together and called on the ACT government for action.

Michele Goldman, CEO of Asthma Australia, says they are throwing their full support behind Dr Lewis’ report’s recommendations into the health hazards of wood-heater smoke.

“In 2020, Asthma Australia canvassed the views of 25,000 people on their attitudes to wood heaters and found three-quarters of the general population surveyed (77 per cent) agree that wood heaters should not be allowed in urban or built-up areas,” says Michele.

“Over half agree they should be phased out (55 per cent) or banned completely (54 per cent).” 

Senior manager for policy, advocacy and prevention at Lung Foundation Australia, Paige Preston says there is no safe level of air pollution.

“We know exposure to wood smoke has both short-term and long-term impacts for the general public,” says Paige.
“Breathing in particulate matter can cause lung cancer, as well as a range of other conditions including pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, stroke and can worsen asthma, and has even been linked to diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes and neurological diseases.

“Lung Foundation Australia urges the ACT to strengthen legislative requirements, compliance and monitoring of wood-fire heater smoke to protect the health of the community. 

“Everyone has the right to breathe clean air and should be supported to do so.”

GP and co-ordinator of Healthy Futures Dr Harry Jennens says they are a national organisation of Australian healthcare workers and community members advocating to reduce pollution and protect health.

“In light of the health impacts of wood smoke pollution, Healthy Futures requests the ACT government support the full adoption of all recommendations in Dr Lewis’ report in order to protect public health.”

As she waits for the ACT government to respond to her report, Dr Lewis says: “I just want to see a healthier environment, for all Canberra residents.”

An ACT government spokesperson says the government will provide a response to the report some time this month.

“The government notes while Canberra’s overall air quality is excellent, it does experience some elevated particulate pollution during winter from wood-heater emissions. We know that this particularly impacts community members with respiratory issues,” they say.

“The ACT government encourages anyone who owns a wood heater to replace it with an energy efficient electric alternative.

“All Canberrans using a wood heater can help keep our air clean by burning better this winter through buying wood from a reputable firewood merchant, only using dry seasoned wood and not letting your fire smolder overnight.”