Tasmanian Programs

Maintaining good air quality for the benefit of human health is largely the responsibility of State government. Effective reduction in pollution has been achieved via the enforcement of national standards, and state legislation that requires permits to be issued, plans to be submitted and sufficient care to be taken. Air quality maintenance is an ongoing task.

The State government has enacted environmental protection legislation and specific legislation that aims to improve air quality. Other policies specific to air quality are being developed.

Key Legislation

Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994

The key legislation in respect of air quality is the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994.

Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) 2004

The Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) 2004 provides a framework for the management and regulation of both point and diffuse sources of emissions to air for pollutants with the potential to cause environmental harm.

Solid Fuel Heater and Backyard Burning Regulations

The Environment Management and Pollution Control (Distributed Atmospheric Emissions) Regulations 2007 prescribe a number of requirements relating to the manufacture, importation, sale and operation of solid fuel heaters, as well as restrictions on backyard burning.

Management of Industrial Point Sources of Air Pollution

State and local government control the air emissions of industrial activities through permits and environment protection notices. Currently, emissions from industries, otherwise known as point source emissions, are regulated under the general provisions of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 and the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993. View these Acts on the Tasmanian Legislation website (external) (use the search engine on this site to locate the Acts). The provisions of the Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) 2005 also apply.

Point source pollution is pollution which is emitted at a discrete, identifiable location, usually via a smoke stack and which can be readily measured. Where a point source of pollution might cause environmental nuisance or material or serious environmental harm, limits are to be set on the permissible concentrations and/or loads of pollutants present in discharges to the atmosphere.

Management of Residential and Other Diffuse Sources of Air Pollution

Sources of pollution, such as wood heating, back yard burning, lawn mowers and cars are individually small but numerous and can be significant sources of air pollution. They may also cause localised air pollution problems. See: Reducing Local Air Pollution.

Management of Planned Burning

Large scale open burning for forest regeneration, waste removal, ecological management and fuel reduction has an impact on local air quality. See: Management of Planned Burning.

Management of Transport as a Source of Air Pollution

Motor traffic is a major source of air pollution in Australian cities. Little monitoring of typical motor exhaust emission pollutants had been conducted in Tasmania. Visible exhaust emissions of longer duration than 10 seconds are prohibited under the Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 2001. View the Regulations on the Tasmanian Legislation website (external) (use the search engine to locate the Regulations.) These Regulations are administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (external).

See also: Reduce Car Use.

Air NEPM Monitoring Plan for Tasmania

The Air NEPM Monitoring Plan for Tasmania specifies how Tasmania plans to monitor, assess and report air quality for the purposes of the National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality.

Tasmanian Air Quality Strategy (TAQS)

The Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) 2004 requires the development of the TAQS. The Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) 2004 required the development of the TASQ. The TASQ assesses compliance with the Air NEPM Standards in Tasmania and specifies strategies for achieving compliance within the Air NEPM by 2008.

Tasmania Together

Air Quality issues are addressed in Tasmania Together (external) Goal 24: "Ensure our natural resources are managed in a sustainable way now and for future generations".

Partnership Agreements

Partnership agreements between State and local government represent a commitment by the parties to work together to achieve specific strategies and outcomes. Air quality provisions are included in the Glenorchy, Hobart, Launceston and Region North agreements. Further agreements are under development and may include sections on air quality.

Other Programs

Further Information

For further information, please contact:

Senior Policy Officer

Environment Division
134 Macquarie Street
HOBART TAS 7000

Phone: 03 6233 4028
Fax: 03 6233 6800

Email: EnvironmentEnquiries@environment.tas.gov.au