Woodheaters remain a popular choice for home heating in the Bathurst region, however it can also be a major source of air pollution for the local region and have a negative impact on public health and the environment.

What is it all about?

When a woodheater is used correctly it is a good source for warmth and produces very little woodsmoke from it’s chimney.  As such the easiest way to know if you are using your woodheater correctly is to go outside and check how much smoke is coming from your chimney. Use the following guide as a quick reference:

AS A SIMPLE RULE, IF YOU CAN SEE OR SMELL SMOKE, THEN YOU ARE NOT GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR WOODHEATER AND ARE IMPACTING ON YOUR NEIGHBOURS AND FAMILY.

Woodsmoke and your health

Woodsmoke is made up from a number of pollutants including:

• Gases such as carbon monoxide
• Organic compounds including air toxins
• Fine particles, which are obvious in the form of white smoke, can cause short term health problems such as itchy throat, burning eyes and can impact those suffering from asthma, the elderly and young children.

Quick fix tips

Below are a few tips from the EPA Stay Warm, Breathe Easy brochure to help you get the most out of your woodheater and reduce the impact on your neighbours and the environment:

• Always burning small logs of aged, dry hardwood, unseasoned wood has more moisture which makes a heater smoke;
• Storing wood under cover in a dry ventilated area, freshly cut wood needs to be stored for 8-12 months;
• Never burning rubbish, driftwood or treated or painted wood, which pollutes the air and can be poisonous;
• Using plenty of dry kindling to establish a good fire quickly, when lighting a cold heater;
• Stacking wood loosely in your fire box so air can circulate, don't cram the firebox full;
• Keeping the flame lively and bright, your fire should only smoke for a few minutes when you first light it and when you add extra fuel. Open the air controls fully for 5 minutes before and 15-20 minutes after reloading;
• Don’t let your heater smoulder overnight, keep enough air in the fire to maintain a flame;
  Checking your chimney regularly, if there is smoke coming from the chimney, increase the air supply to your fire;
• Cleaning the chimney every year, to prevent creosote build-up.

Buying a new heater?

If you are buying a new heater, consider alternatives to wood. If buying a new wood heater, check the compliance plate on the back to make sure it meets the current Australian Standards (AS/NZ4013:1999).

Domestic oil and solid fuel burning appliances can be considered under Council's Exempt Development DCP. Where the proposal does not meet the requirements of the Exempt Development DCP a development application is required to be lodged and approved by Council.

Is there a smoky chimney near you?

If a neighbour’s chimney is producing excess smoke and causing you discomfort, you can contact Council’s Environmental Planning and Building Services on 6333 6111. Council uses education as the primary tool to address complaints, however, Council also has certain powers under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 if a complaint cannot be addressed by these means.

2008 Woodheater Rebate

To help reduce pollution in our region, Bathurst Regional Council is again offering Bathurst residents financial assistance to replace older style woodheaters with cleaner, and more efficient alternatives. The rebate program is open to all Bathurst Region residences that use a non-Australian Standard compliant woodheater as the primary source of heat.

To receive the rebate, residents must make an appointment with Bathurst Regional Council. Council Officers will then inspect the woodheater at the premises and issue the applicant with an application form. This must be completed by the retailer, the installer, and then signed off at the Waste Management Centre when the unit is disposed for recycling.

The rebate is open for a wide variety of heating alternatives including gas, reverse cycle, central heating, and electric heating. Up to $700 is available per resident.

To book appointments and further information, please call Council on 6333 6217.