More than two decades ago, Dr Melita Keywood of the CSIRO identified Launceston as the most polluted residential area in Australia, with wood heaters the primary source.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

Login or signup to continue reading

Canberra's Tuggeranong Valley ranked a close second for the same reason. In response, the federal government spent millions on buyback and education programs in Launceston, while communities like Tuggeranong were largely overlooked.

Now, Launceston City Council is once again seeking public input on how to address the health impacts of wood heater pollution. This alone demonstrates that buyback and education programs have failed to deliver a lasting solution.

If we are serious about protecting public health and the environment, the answer is clear: a phased ban on wood heaters in residential areas.

We no longer accept tobacco smoke in shared public spaces because of the harm it causes to others. Wood smoke is no different. It has no place in our suburbs.

Darryl Johnston, Tuggeranong ACT

My missus and I are enthusiastic new members of our Tasmanian Devils footy team.

To become members, we were forced to recruit the help of our daughter and granddaughter. We had to navigate the minefield of firstly, joining ticketmaster, after which we were forced to traverse the countless booby traps surrounding the Devils membership.

I would encourage all pensioners who are contemplating joining our wonderful new footy time and being part of the excitement attached to our team's journey to the AFL to go back to university to learn all the ins and outs of computer literacy.

And if you ain't got a mobile phone... forget it!

David Champ, Launceston

Our City of Launceston council will consider another wood heater buyback scheme and are asking how much money it would take to give up your wood heater. How much will it cost to replace it and will council cover all those costs? My next question is can ratepayers afford to subsidise such a scheme? Especially as they recently spent $150,000 for a bunch of........

© The Examiner