The Belco Party will oppose proposals by the Greens to ban wood-fired heaters and gas appliances in the ACT if they’re successful at Saturday’s election.

Ginninderra candidate Bill Stefaniak said he was passionate about preserving these energy sources, praising their importance for comfort and sustainability.

“There is nothing quite like sitting in front of a roaring fire on a cold winter’s day, enjoying a cup of tea and reading a good book,” he said.

“When I was young, in Narrabundah we had a slow-combustion wood stove that not only cooked well, but warmed the whole house. I still have a nice wood heater in my shed near Eden.”

Acknowledging concerns about air pollution and health, Stefaniak said technological advancements  had significantly reduced wood heater emissions.

“Great improvements have been made to wood heaters, ensuring they are not pollutants and are indeed carbon neutral,” he said.

“Many Canberrans rely on wood heaters, and since wood is a cheap, renewable source, it is madness to phase out and ban wood heaters in Canberra.”

He said the Belco Party also opposed the Greens’ and Labor’s agenda to phase out gas, which was an essential, low-emission
energy source crucial to Australia’s future.

“I have been informed that they have already ripped gas out of public housing at a huge cost to taxpayers, and banning any new installations in the territory’s new suburbs is simply madness,” Mr Stefaniak said.

“People and businesses need choice,” Mr. Stefaniak stated.

“If we are elected, the Belco Party will do everything in its power to reverse the Greens’ unrealistic and unfair bans.”