Statement on the ACT Government’s decision to phase-out wood heaters by 2045.

The Canberra Liberals express concern about the Labor-Greens Government’s announcement today to phase-out wood heaters. As it stands, the ACT Government has no data on the number of wood heaters in the ACT. Suburbs that already have bans in place, such as Dunlop, have no regulation and wood heaters remain present.

The Canberra Liberals accept the health and environmental risks that wood heaters pose in our community. The Commissioner of Environment and Sustainability’s investigation into the impact of wood heaters in the ACT outlined several key issues with the ACT Government’s current policy approach.

Inadequate emissions and efficiency standards coupled with poor regulation and enforcement, misleading public education campaigns, ineffective replacement programs and inconsistent suburb restrictions were all significant issues outlined in the Commissioner’s report.

The Canberra Liberals do not believe a ban will resolve these existing issues and the ACT Government’s track record on enforcement brings into question the practicality of a ban. The Labor Greens Government should prioritise re-developing their approach to these issues and lead by example, by replacing wood heaters in social housing with safer heater options.