Draft Launceston Domestic Wood Smoke Plan

Launceston regularly experiences periods of poor air quality during winter, largely due to smoke from domestic wood heating.

To help address this, the City of Launceston is preparing the Launceston Domestic Wood Smoke Plan. The Plan will identify practical opportunities to improve winter air quality over the next 15 years, while also recognising the diverse heating needs of the community.

What the draft plan proposes

A gradual, staged approach

The draft plan outlines a 15-year pathway, designed to give households, businesses and Council time to adjust in a practical way. The focus is on steady progress rather than sudden change.

The plan proposes expanding air quality monitoring across Launceston to:

  • Build a clearer picture of local conditions
  • Better information about local air quality
  • Identify areas where air quality is poorer
  • Provide more accessible, real-time information for the community

Years 1–5: Focus on education and support

The first stage is centred on awareness and practical help, not new rules. This includes:

  • Clear information about the health impacts of wood smoke
  • Guidance on using and maintaining wood heaters more effectively
  • Support for households interested in cleaner heating options and home efficiency improvements (healthier homes initiative)
  • Rebates and links to existing programs to help reduce costs
  • Continuation of regulating complaints relating to smoking chimneys

Years 6–10: Considered, targeted action

Implementation of proactive regulation aligning with current legislative responsibilities. Any future new regulations would only be explored after further community input. If introduced, they would be targeted and based on evidence, focusing on the highest-emission heaters, and new build homes rather than applying broad restrictions.

Years 11–15: Long-term improvement

The long-term aim is to improve air quality and support community health, while continuing to consider fairness, affordability and household choice.

What happens next

Council will now review and analyse all feedback received during the consultation period, including comments submitted on the draft Plan and responses from earlier engagement activities.

The findings, together with all community feedback received, will be used to inform the final Launceston Domestic Wood Smoke Plan. Councillors will consider this feedback before making a decision on the adoption of the Plan.

Updates on the project and next steps will be provided on this page as they become available.

Thank you again to everyone who contributed their feedback.

Stage 1 Engagement

Thank you to everyone who took part in our first round of community engagement, held from Wednesday 25 March to Sunday 12 April.

During this time, 1,150 people completed the community survey, sharing valuable insights to help shape the draft Domestic Wood Smoke Plan.

What we heard

  • Around 70% of respondents have a wood heater or open fireplace at home
  • Of those, 77% use it as their primary source of heating
  • The community shared a range of views on wood smoke, including its impact on health, environment, and lifestyle

How this is being used

Your feedback has directly informed the development of the draft Domestic Wood Smoke Plan, helping to identify key priorities and actions.

Stage 2 Engagement

Stage 2 engagement ran from Monday 4 May to Sunday 17 May, and was subsequently extended to Sunday 14 June 2026. This provided the community with additional time to review and provide feedback on the draft Plan prior to it being finalised.

The draft Plan was made available for detailed review and feedback through the Konveio online document review platform.

The consultation on the draft plan generated a high level of community interest, with over 500 responses received.

Feedback is being reviewed and an update will be provided as it becomes available.

Council thanks all community members who participated in the engagement process and contributed their feedback.

Review the draft Domestic Wood Smoke Plan

Learn More

Learn more about this project

Research shows that wood smoke can be harmful to health, and there is no level of exposure considered completely safe.

Some groups are more affected than others, including people with existing health conditions, older adults, young children, and those experiencing social or economic disadvantage.

Wood smoke contains fine particles (PM2.5) that can affect health in both the short and long term.

  • Short-term exposure can trigger headaches, nausea, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. It can also reduce lung function and increase the risk of serious health events such as strokes, heart attacks, and hospital visits for respiratory or cardiac conditions.
  • Long-term exposure is linked to an increased risk of developing chronic illnesses, including lung and heart disease. It can also worsen existing respiratory conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), leading to more frequent hospitalisations and, in severe cases, premature death.

During winter, Launceston often experiences poor air quality due to wood smoke, frequently exceeding recommended safety levels. In 2025, the city exceeded Australian air quality standards on 20 days and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on 49 days.

The Domestic Wood Smoke Plan aims to reduce these impacts, protect community health, raise awareness, and improve winter air quality for everyone.

Under the Environmental Management Pollution Control Act 1994, Council has the authority to regulate emissions from domestic wood heaters. This includes the ability to issue penalties for properties that breach the Smoke Regulations 2019.

In addition to regulatory measures, Council is also exploring non-regulatory approaches to help improve air quality and reduce the impact of domestic wood smoke in Launceston.

This engagement aims to raise awareness about the impacts of wood smoke and give the community a chance to share their experiences and feedback on domestic wood heating in Launceston.

Community input will help guide and shape the development of the Launceston Domestic Wood Smoke Plan, ensuring it reflects local needs and priorities.

You can find detailed information about the Smoke Regulations and tips for safely operating a wood heater on the EPA Tasmania website: Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Smoke) Regulations | EPA Tasmania

There are several simple steps you can take to reduce smoke and improve air quality in your community. More tips can be found on the EPA Tasmania website: Smoke Regulations and Wood Heating | EPA Tasmania

Choose good firewood

  • Burn dry, seasoned, untreated wood.
  • Store wood under cover in a dry, ventilated area.

When starting the fire

  • Use small, dry kindling to get the fire going quickly.
  • Use smaller logs instead of large logs.
  • Place a sheet of newspaper above your unlit fire to create a good updraft.
  • Burn with high airflow for the first 30 minutes after lighting.

When the fire is burning well

  • Place wood end-on in the firebox, not sideways.
  • Leave at least a 2cm gap between pieces of wood.
  • Reload regularly to ensure quick ignition, but avoid overfilling the heater.
  • Burn with high airflow for 20–25 minutes after adding new wood.
  • Keep the fire bright and active – avoid smouldering.