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Indicator: A-33 Implementation of wood heater programs

Data

24-hour annual average PM₁₀ concentrations, Launceston 1992-2004

Source: Department of Primary Industries and Water, Tasmania, 24 Hour PM₁₀ Annual Statistics Launceston: 1992-2004  

• 24-hour annual PM₁₀ concentrations, Launceston Tasmania, 1992-2004 and exceedences of the NEPM standard between 1997-2004 (Excel - 17 KB) 

24-hour PM₁₀ exceedences of NEPM standard, Launceston, 1997-2004

Source: Department of Primary Industries and Water, Tasmania, 24 Hour PM₁₀ Annual Statistics Launceston: 1992-2004 

• 24-hour PM₁₀ exceedences of NEPM standard of 50µgm, Launceston, Tasmania, 1997 to mid 2004 (Excel -18 KB) 

What the data mean

Three main woodheater replacement or education programs have been implemented by governments: in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania. Data is only available at this stage for the Tasmanian program. The Tasmanian program is a joint program between the Australian and Tasmanian governments and the Launceston City Council. Rebates of $500 are available to replace wood heaters with fixed electric, gas or oil heaters. The project commenced in August 2001, although, most of the funding was available from 2002 and onwards.

There has been a significant decrease in particulate matter concentrations for Launceston between 1997 and the first half of 2004. However, most of this decrease took place before the commencement of the wood heater program and so cannot be attributed to the program. Longer-term data will be required to assess the success of this program.

Data Limitations

Nil known.

Issues for which this is an indicator and why

Atmosphere — Air quality - Air quality - pressures and responses 

One of the main sources of particulate matter in specific areas is wood heaters. This is of specific concern in areas such as Launceston in Tasmania, Armidale in New South Wales, the Tuggeranong Valley in the Australian Capital Territory and the Port Phillip region in Victoria. This indicator looks at government programs as a response to reduce the impact of wood heaters.

Other indicators for this issue:

• A-31 Implementation and effectiveness of National Environment Protection Measures 
• A-32 Implementation of national fuel quality standards 
• A-34 Main sources of emissions of six pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, lead, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds) 
• A-35 Projections of motor vehicle travel and pollutant emissions