CLEAR THE AIR ON THE DANGERS FROM SMOKE

WE need the Victorian Government to explain why we aren’t getting the same protection from smoke from woodfire heaters, firepits and barbecues as they do in Tasmania.

Councils and EPA leave us to sue via a nuisance tort.

Councils speak of having a forensic nose — they sniff the air. In Tasmania they have invested in hi-tech equipment such as small computers, Dylos DC 1700 particle counters and GPS.

Councils invite the EPA in to monitor the air. They take this neighbourhood smoke seriously.

Look up epa.tas.gov.au/air monitoring and air pollution.

We in Victoria are settling for lots of unmonitored smoke, Respiratory illnesses and higher taxes to pay ever increasing health bills.

The Health Department and Asthma Foundation both say find another medication or increase the dose to get relief.

Tasmania is even in the process of enacting legislation to deal with firepits and barbecues.

In Victoria, outdated legislation says anything is all right if it is for the purpose of heating or cooling.

Not good enough in 2018 when we have electricity, gas, solar power etc. Respiratory illnesses are this legacy.

Not good enough. Who is campaigning for cleaner air in Victoria? Judy Alexander, St Leonards