The report – Air Pollution in Melbourne’s Inner West – Taking direct action to reduce our community’s exposure has been released to Victoria’s Government and be be seen online. Click here
From Patsy Hoop, OAM:
As Independent Chair of the Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group (CRG), I am pleased to advise that the CRG has delivered its report ─ Air Pollution in Melbourne’s Inner West – Taking direct action to reduce our community’s exposure ─ to the Victorian Government.
The report has been released today to coincide with the World Health Organisation’s first International Day of Clear Air for blue skies – which aims to raise public awareness of the importance of clean air for health, productivity, the economy and the environment.
The Inner West Air Quality CRG was established by the Victorian Government in 2018 to investigate air pollution in Melbourne’s inner west and give locals the opportunity to provide input into future improvements for air quality in the inner west.
The CRG’s members represent the communities of the Maribyrnong, Brimbank and Hobsons Bay municipalities and are drawn from local Councils, local community and environment groups, and the broader community.
As per the State Government’s Terms of Reference, the CRG’s role is to:
- Investigate the current air quality issues and concerns across the Brimbank, Hobson Bay and Maribyrnong local government areas, including transport initiatives such as the West Gate Tunnel Project.
- Provide advice and recommendations for government consideration including feasibility and relative importance of any actions to address air quality issues in the inner west, including in relation to tunnel filtration for the West Gate Tunnel Project.
- Ensure the findings of the Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group are communicated to communities in the inner west of Melbourne.
Melbourne’s inner west communities are exposed to high levels of pollution, including dust and odour and emissions from heavy vehicles. Industry and transport are the major contributors to poor air quality, posing serious risks for those living and working in the inner west.
Our report outlines 26 carefully considered recommendations and 65 supporting actions to improve air quality for those that live and work in the inner west.
We recommend action be taken to reduce air pollution from transport and industry (including the West Gate Tunnel) and improve the planning framework, regulation and policy, air quality monitoring and community education.
The appointment of the CRG to investigate air pollution in the inner west was a positive first step by the Victorian Government. Effective government action at all levels is now needed to achieve a significant improvement in air quality for inner west communities. We expect the Government to respond to the report within the next six months.
Please find attached a copy of the full report which can also be downloaded at https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/sustainability/inner-west-air-quality-reference-group