7/7/2017

Mayor welcomes increased clean air subsidy

Timaru District Mayor, Damon Odey, has welcomed the extra $100,000 of clean air subsidies announced by Environment Canterbury today.

The subsidies, additional to the $200,000 initially offered, will go to supporting lower income and vulnerable people in the Timaru clean air zone to replace older solid fuel heaters with cleaner, more efficient alternatives.

“We welcome this step as it targets those who would otherwise struggle to meet the new regulations, and these are also the people who bear the biggest brunt of the health conditions caused by high levels of pollution,” said Odey.

“It’s important that people keep warm this winter, but look into ensuring they have a cleaner, more efficient way of heating their homes in the future.

“Both the Timaru District Council and Environment Canterbury are here to provide advice and support, so please get in touch if you have any questions.

“No one is asking anyone to go cold this winter, so don’t be scared to light your fires, our organisations just want to be sure everyone has a plan in place to help do their bit to clear the air in Timaru.”

Timaru District Council has a duty building officer on call at the main council building every day, who can advise you on the consent process.

The council is also supporting Environment Canterbury’s Warmer Cheaper pop up shop on Stafford Street, where people can get advice on their eligibility for subsidies and help for them to apply, as well as better burning advice.

More information: Timaru.govt.nz/logburners

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