Wood heater buy-back schemes should include the option of replacement with modern, low emission wood heating appliances.

When including wood heating appliances, as part of buy-back schemes, government will encourage many of the old non-compliant wood heaters being put out of commission and new units installed, which will result in significant improvements in air quality.

Over 1.1 million Australian households prefer wood heating as their main source of heating for their homes.  Unless there are incentives offered which would facilitate substitution with new, low emission wood heating appliances, people will simply continue to use their old non compliant wood heaters.

Families, particularly in colder parts of Australia, show a preference for wood heating because it is the only economical means of providing enough heat to keep their homes warm and dry during winter and regional areas are rarely reticulated with gas.

It is particularly important for larger families and low income earners for whom the cost of available alternatives can be prohibitive.

Surveys have shown that there is a strong community support for modern, clean burning wood heaters.

The AHHA agrees that older, non-compliant wood heaters should be removed with the opportunity for the home owner to replace it with new lower emission wood heaters.

Home owners should be provided the opportunity to choose which form of heating best suits their needs.