Air

In large urban areas air quality is impacted by numerous pollutants emitted from many sources such as industrial, commercial, residential and transport activities.

The Metropolitan Air Quality Study (MAQS) demonstrated that overnight and early morning summer land breezes carry air borne pollutants out to sea. The afternoon sea breezes carry this pollution back on shore, over Manly, and concentrate it in the Sydney Basin.

While the management of air quality issues is best dealt with at a regional level, Manly Council continues to implement a variety of programs related to improving air quality.

Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change

Manly Council has prepared a brochure on the subject of greenhouse gases and climate change. An action plan has also been prepared in response to goals identified in the Manly Sustainability Plan

• Climate Change brochure (2.43 MB)
• Draft Manly Sustainability Strategy 2006 (860.47 KB)

Odour

Odour is one of the most frequent air pollution complaints to Council. It is also one of the most difficult to investigate due to many factors including prevailing wind and weather patterns. Offensive odours can affect a person’s health or relaxation. Many odours may contain irritants that can exacerbate asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Burning Rubbish

Burning rubbish or lighting fires in your backyard is prohibited under the Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2010. An on the spot fine of $550 may be issued by Council Officers in the event of non-compliance.

Lighting a fire for the purposes of cooking or barbecuing at home is exempt from the prohibition, if only dry seasoned wood, LPG, natural gas or barbecue coals are used.

In the event a Total Fire Ban is in place, no burning at all is permitted.

Domestic Wood Heaters

Council refers to the Environmental Guidelines for Selecting, Installing and Operating Domestic Solid Fuel Heaters, prepared by the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW), when considering applications for the installation of solid fuel heaters. The objective is to ensure that installation wood heaters are installed and operated to prevent or minimise localised air pollution. Council strongly discourages the installation and use of open fires as they significantly contribute to increased air pollution and health concerns during winter time.

To preserve air quality, home owners, architects and designers should consider more health and environment friendly heating alternatives including;

• energy efficient home design (which reduces the need for heating and cooling)
• natural gas heating

Home owners can also arrange to have their existing open fire or solid fuel heater assessed at no cost by the Australian Home Heating Association (AHHA). The AHHA can advise more efficient operation techniques, cleaner fuel options (e.g. low moisture timbers) and general advice. This can save home-owners money and help prevent air pollution at the same time.

For further information:-

• Australian Home Heating Association ph (03) 9592 2522 or www.homeheat.com.au
• Manly Council Environmental Health Section – ph (02) 9976 1511 – General Enquiries
• Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) – 131 555 or www.epa.nsw.gov.au

Smoky Vehicles

Smoky vehicle exhausts contribute to Sydney’s poor air quality. The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) has provided a way to report smoky vehicles online.

Manly Council encourages all residents to report smoky vehicles to the DECCW.