Wood heaters will be prohibited in the new Molonglo Valley development, with the exception of Wright, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell, said today following the release of the 2011 ACT Air Quality Report.

"While the 2011 Air Quality Report highlights the excellent air quality in Canberra, annual monitoring has identified that smoke from domestic wood heaters is the most significant source of air pollution in Canberra," Mr Corbell said.

"This year's report shows four breaches of the reporting standard, which occurred in the months of May and July 2011, during the colder months because of wood heater emissions.

"The ACT Government monitors air quality in order to ensure that the health and wellbeing of Canberrans is maintained and the results of the air monitoring are published each year via an annual report.

"Following a planning study of the air quality impacts associated with the development of the Molonglo Valley, wood heaters will be prohibited in this area, excluding the suburb of Wright. Similar restrictions are already successfully operating in Dunlop and East O'Malley."

"We know that wood smoke can be a problem in the ACT which is why the Government recently launched the 'Burn Right Tonight' campaign to raise the public awareness of correct wood heater operation," Mr Corbell said.

The campaign complements existing programs which involve enforcement activities, the licensing of firewood merchants and the wood heater replacement program.

The Government has also allocated money in 2012/2013 Budget for an ambient air quality monitoring station in Belconnen.

"This will give us a better understanding of the air pollution level and will continue to implement an integrated program to address air quality issues relating to wood smoke," Mr Corbell said.

Residents wishing to replace their wood heater with a gas flued system may be eligible for a rebate of up to $800 through the ACT Wood Heater Replacement Program, run in conjunction with ActewAGL.

See the 2011 ACT Air Quality Report at www.environment.act.gov.au or call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.