Greens call for climate future first in balcony clothes drying laws

Commenting on a story on page 10 of today's Sydney Morning Herald ('Change in wind as balconies air dirty laundry'), Dr Kaye said: "Many residents are left with no alternative but to use electric dryers.

"The average electric-powered unit is responsible for almost a half a tonne of carbon dioxide each year.

"Bad state laws are forcing residents who want to do the right thing by the environment to use energy hungry dryers.

"People trying to reduce their carbon footprint  face up to a year in jail.

"Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge has an opportunity to amened the owners' corporations model codes to remove the prohibition on publicly visible clothes drying.

"With NSW struggling to control the 60 million tonnes of CO2 that is emitted from the state's coal fired power stations each year, the Minister should get on with it.

"It is time to get over being prissy about washing on balconies. People wear clothes and they need to be washed and dried.

"Forcing unit residents to use energy-guzzling and expensive electric driers is bad greenhouse policy and poor economics.

"We are also calling on planning Minister Tony Kelly to amend the model Local Environment Plan to ensure that all new multi-unit developments provide residents with clothes lines.

"As more people live in units and townhouses, it is important to get this right.

"This is not about banning clothes dryers. It is about providing climate friendly solar-powered options for all apartment dwellers who want to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions," Dr Kaye said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455