In the wake of 2019-20’s Black Summer, the ACT Government has released a new Bushfire Smoke and Air Quality Strategy designed to manage smoke from large bushfires and household woodfire heaters.
The whole-of-government plan covers emergency management; regulation of environmental pollution; monitoring air quality; public health advice, warnings, and directions; work health and safety; building standards; and support for businesses and the community.
Over the next four years, the ACT Government will strengthen wood heater emission standards; enhance air quality monitoring and forecasting; develop buildings that are resilient to air pollution; identify and support smoke refuges; and support those economically affected by severe bushfire smoke, said Rebecca Vassarotti, ACT Minister for the Environment.
“This is a journey to clean air for all.”
“Air quality in the ACT is generally excellent compared with other Australian cities, and considered clean by world standards. There are, however, higher levels of smoke pollution in the winter months, largely due to the use of household woodfires.
“We also saw last year the impact bushfire smoke had on our region, and this will remain a threat to our air quality as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of these events.”
Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Health Minister, said the strategy supported healthy communities by reducing the adverse effects of bushfire and woodfire smoke on human health.
“The strategy sets out how the ACT Government will protect and support the ACT community, particularly those most vulnerable, and improve our preparation and resilience,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
The severe smoke during the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires – when Canberra had the worst air quality in the world – showed how poor air quality affected health, environment, society, and the economy, she said.
Smoke pollution particularly affected vulnerable people: the elderly, infants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women, and those with cardiovascular and respiratory disorders.
Natural disasters also increased stress, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic and stress disorder, and exacerbated mental health problems. These effects can last a long time, or symptoms can be delayed.
During the bushfires, businesses involved in outdoor dining, wine making, and other outdoor activities had to close.
The Bushfire Smoke and Air Quality Strategy will be reviewed every year.
