Wood Heater Replacement Program

Subsidy for replacing a wood heater or fireplace with a mains supplied natural gas heater.

What is it?

The Wood Heater Replacement Program offers a subsidy to eligible householders for reducing Canberra's air pollution by replacing an old wood heater with a new mains supplied gas heater.

If you do not want to replace your wood heater but are looking for advice on minimising its smoke emissions, please read our advice on wood heaters and their emissions .

Who can apply?

To be eligible for the Wood Heater Replacement Subsidy, you must be an ACT ratepayer and the property must be located within an area zoned ‘residential’. Owners of rental properties may apply for the subsidy provided that the tenant and the property owner agree and both sign the application form.

The subsidy is available only for new mains supplied natural gas installations replacing solid fuel heaters that are used as the main source of heating and are in the main living or occupational area of your home. The household must be replacing either an open fireplace or a controlled combustion wood heater.

The 2012 Wood Heater Replacement Program runs from 1 March 2012 and closes on 31 December 2012. Other eligibility conditions are contained in the Application Form  ( 102 KB).

How much is the ACT Government subsidy?

A new ducted gas installation will attract a subsidy of $800 and a new flued gas installation will attract a subsidy of $600 for eligible applicants.

There are no additional subsidies for low income earners or pensioners. 

How do I access it?

You can apply for Wood heater Replacement Subsidy by completing the Application Form  ( 102 KB).

Once the Environment Protection Unit has received your application, and if you meet the program’s criteria, an Environment Protection officer will arrange a site inspection at your home to verify the details of your application. Upon verification you will be issued with a notice of approval and a subsidy claim form. To claim your subsidy you must send your completed claim form with proof that your new mains supplied natural gas heater has been installed and your wood heater has been recycled. Send your application to:

Wood Heater Replacement Program
Attention: Stella Williams
Environment Protection Unit
Environment & Sustianable Development Directorate
GPO Box 158, Canberra  ACT  2601

or

deliver in person to the reception area, Macarthur House, 12 Wattle Street, Lyneham.

Please read the Easy Steps to Follow  ( 61 KB) to be eligible for the subsidy.

Find out more

More information is available in a set of Frequently Asked Questions  ( 66 KB).

For any further information, call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81, or email: environment@act.gov.au