Local council program to help cut winter haze: Minister

1/5/01
Environment and Heritage Minister Judy Edwards launched a new City of Melville program today aimed at improving air quality and helping to reduce Perth's winter haze problem.
'Clean Air Melville', a partnership between the City of Melville and AlintaGas, provides discounts for Melville residents who want to switch from pollution-causing wood and oil heaters to cleaner natural gas home heating.
Dr Edwards said that by targeting domestic sources of smoke, the program tackled the biggest cause of winter haze.
"Smoke from domestic wood and oil heaters is the single biggest contributor to Perth's winter haze problem," she said.
"However, it is difficult for Government bodies to regulate the individual behaviours and choices behind this problem.
"The City of Melville and AlintaGas have come up with a creative way to tackle this issue, by raising community awareness and giving people an opportunity to make a difference."
Clean Air Melville gives an incentive to switch to cleaner home heating by discounting the cost of heaters, installation and gas supply.
Dr Edwards said she hoped other local government authorities would adopt the program.
"This program is a shining example of what can be achieved through creative thought and good partnerships," she said.
"I encourage other local authorities to follow this example, which will benefit the health and amenity of their residents and the whole community."
Media contact: John Carey 9421 7777