Plan to ban wood fire heaters scrapped at NSW cabinet meeting

A NSW Minister’s bid to ban wood fires in the government’s new clean air strategy has hit a snag in cabinet.

The assault on wood fires has been hosed down, with Environment Minister Matt Kean inserting a pledge not to ban them in the government’s new clean air strategy.

It can be revealed cabinet gave the nod to the draft clean air strategy on Monday night, but only after Mr Kean was asked to amended it to protect fireplaces after criticism.

The Daily Telegraph revealed last week an attack on wood fires such as fireplaces was a key part of the policy document, which proposed the government work to reduce smoke from such heaters.

Matt Kean.

Mr Kean agreed in cabinet that the policy would be clarified to make it explicit that the government would not ban these.

He said reducing the effects of air pollution on NSW communities was at the core of the strategy, which will now be released for community feedback.

“We have some of the cleanest air and one of the strongest air quality regulatory frameworks in the world,” Mr Kean said.

“However, last year’s bushfires really served as a stark reminder of how important clean air is for the health of our communities and there is more we can do.

“Our Draft Clean Air Strategy sets out five key action areas to mitigate community exposure to poor air quality, both during extreme events and on a day-to-day basis.”

The five key action areas, include; better preparedness for pollution events; cleaner industry; cleaner transport, engines and fuels; healthier households; and better places.

Originally published as Plan to ban wood fire heaters scrapped at NSW cabinet meeting