So the Federal Government needs to introduce emission regulations for small engines and equipment such as generators, lawnmowers and brushcutters, if we are to keep up with North American and European standards.

That warning comes from Honda Power Equipment manager, Ray Briffa.

He says Australia currently is among one of the last signatory nations of the Convention on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) not to have regulatory standards on up to 25hp garden care equipment engine emissions.

"The United States has enforced these standards for the past 10 years, with Europe, Canada, Japan, Brazil and Chile following suit,” Mr Briffa said.

"And, from 2010, even China will join this group.

"If the Government is genuinely concerned about the environment, it needs to broaden its emissions focus beyond the automotive and heavy vehicle industries.

"It should consider regulating all equipment with an internal combustion engine.

"Local councils and Governments should also show independent initiative, following in the footsteps of the Queensland State Government.

"It has introduced a green purchasing policy."

According to Mr Briffa, gardening and landscape maintenance is big business in Australia, contributing over a billion dollars each year to the national economy.

“But, unfortunately, some of the equipment being used emits up to 30 times more pollution than do modern motor vehicles," he said.

"At present, about 80pc of local councils use and operate their own small plant fleet and equipment.

"These range from ride-on mowers and brushcutters to generators, chainsaws and pumps.

"Over half of the small plant equipment is made up of hand-held two-stroke engine products, while the remainder is powered by a mixture of two and four-stroke engines."