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Wood heater rebates helping to reduce Perth winter haze

Wood heater owners in the Perth metropolitan area have until the end of August to take advantage of the State Government's wood heater replacement program.

Department of Environment and Conservation air quality manager John Sutton said the rebate was introduced to encourage people currently using wood heaters or fireplaces as their main source of heating to convert to flued or ducted-gas heaters.

Mr Sutton said homeowners may be eligible for a $500 rebate with an additional $100 voucher available for an LPG-run gas heater.

“As in previous years, there has been significant interest in the wood heater replacement program despite the mild winter so far,” he said.

“Wood heaters and fireplaces contribute significant particle emissions to the air which is a major cause of winter haze in Perth.

“Currently, there are more than 50,000 Perth homes using wood heaters as a main heat source.”

Mr Sutton said the wood heater replacement program was part of DEC’s Perth Air Quality Management Plan.

He said he was encouraged by the leadership being provided by local government authorities in Perth who have been promoting the program locally.

In May, a wood heater policy options paper, promoting a number of ways of reducing wood smoke emissions, was released for public comment.

The paper explores options such as community education, monetary incentives to replace or surrender wood heaters and the introduction of regulations with regard to the sale of homes with non-compliant wood heaters.

Feedback on the recommended policy options paper is currently being sought from the community, the results of which will direct future strategies under the Perth Air Quality Management Plan.

The paper is available on the department’s website at http://www.dec.wa.gov.au and is open for public comment until September 3.

To find your nearest wood heater replacement program participating retailer, call 1300 886 162.