We need you for a clean air future

The consultation paper is a culmination of the EPA’s work over the past six months and puts forward a plan for how we can all work together to improve air quality across the state.

Some priority actions identified in the paper include:

• A review of air quality monitoring networks to improve understanding of pollution issues.
• Improved forecasting and advice during hazard reduction burning.
• Hosting a Clean Air Summit in Sydney in six months to allow stakeholders the opportunity to provide direct feedback on Clean Air for NSW.

EPA Chair and CEO Barry Buffier said research is showing that there are real health and economic benefits from reducing exposure to particle pollution across large populations.

“NSW has some of the toughest standards for fine particle pollution in the world and, while our air quality currently rates well, there are emerging pressures such as population growth and developments in infrastructure and transport projects that are going to impact on our air quality in the future.”

“In addition to the consultation paper, we’ve introduced new regulations on wood heaters sold in NSW to reduce wood smoke and improve air quality. These new regulations, which came into effect on 1 November 2016, now bring wood heaters sold in NSW in line with Australian and New Zealand standards.”

“Everyone has a role to play in helping improve air quality in NSW and the EPA will continue to work closely with other government agencies, researchers, industry and local communities to ensure we stay ahead of these expected changes and can continue to breathe the cleanest air possible in NSW.”

To have your say on the clean air future for NSW visit the EPA website. Submissions close 20 January 2017.

For more information on the new regulations on wood heaters, visit the EPA website.