TASMANIAN GAS BAGS Issue 5

Issue 5 Page 4

in 2001 by Comm Govt, via the Natural Heritage Trust. $2.05 million allocated to give incentives to residents to switch away from wood heating ($500 per eligible household) or to upgrade to a newer wood heater ($250 each). Almost 1,000 residents have applied to replace wood heaters up to June 2002 (mostly with electrical heating). In the current 3rd & final round of applications, an extra $250 incentive has been added for pensioners. Hopefully we will see a further 2,000 wood heaters replaced.

Other factors which may help reduce wood smoke are:

Further community awareness via the new TEOM device to give rapid PM10 levels.
The introduction of natural gas to Tasmania via the gas pipeline under construction from Victoria.
Connection of an electrical grid between Victoria & Tasmania.
Harnessing wind energy via the wind generators under construction in NW Tas.

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Issue 5 Page 4