Launceston City Council estimates of industrial air pollution do not tell the full story, says Bass Liberal MHR Michael Ferguson.
Tests conducted over the six coldest months purport that industry contributes just 6 per cent of air pollution over Launceston.
It says domestic woodheaters contribute 73 per cent of airborne particulates.
Mr Ferguson yesterday said the council's figures only looked at the six cooler months but industry's contribution was more significant across the whole year.
Mr Ferguson said figures received yesterday from the Federal Government's national pollution inventory, for the full year of 2003-04, showed woodheaters caused 47 per cent of particle emissions, called PM10, and industry was responsible for 14 per cent.
But he said both sets of figures were correct because they referred to different time periods, and winter was more important because that was when particle levels exceeded national standards.
"When you look at the full- year picture, industry has a more significant role that the report would suggest," Mr Ferguson said.
He said Federal Government information showed five to 10 industries in the Launceston area burnt wood or other fuel with emissions equivalent to 1000-3000 woodheaters.
The industry programme is calling for expressions of interest from companies for projects to reduce particle emissions, such as replacing wood-fired boilers or installing pollution control equipment.
Mr Ferguson also said the council had not formally approached him with a strategy to reduce air pollution since he became the Liberals' Bass candidate in February last year.
"I have not had any direct approaches at all," he said.
"I must say at this stage of the game we are not seeing as much action from other levels of government as would be appreciated.
"Clearly more action is needed, clearly all levels of government have to show more interest in the problem."
But a State Government spokeswoman said the council had worked cooperatively with other levels of government for five years on air quality issues.
Mr Ferguson said the Federal Government was the only level of government actually spending money on pollution reduction - through the $1 million Launceston Clean Air Industry Programme.
This follows the $2.05 million federally funded woodheater buyback scheme.
The council does patrol the city looking for householders producing excess smoke and works with residents to reduce the output and is working on new initiatives.
Source: examiner.com.au
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