Wednesday, 2 November 2016
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall is encouraging public comment on the NSW Government’s proposed 10-year plan aimed at improving air quality across the state.
Mr Marshall said the plan was an important one and the community should provide input into how it would be implemented.
“The Clean Air for NSW consultation paper sets out the NSW Government’s priority areas for air quality improvement and outlines how industry, government, community groups and residents can work together to benefit the environment,” Mr Marshall said.
“We want the Northern Tablelands community to be breathing the cleanest air possible and this plan sets out a way forward to make sure we manage air pollution as the population increases.
“We often think that because we live in the bush, our air is pretty clean but we need to understand that events like hazard reduction burning, bushfires, dust storms and even smoke pollution which has been a problem in places like Armidale, are actually impacting on our everyday life, and for some of us, it is particularly unhealthy.
“Air pollutants have the potential to impact on public health, especially in the young, the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or heart conditions.
“I urge everyone to look at the plan and provide feedback.”
Some priority actions identified in the Clean Air for NSW paper include a review of air quality monitoring networks to improve understanding of pollution issues, improved forecasting and advice during hazard reduction burning, and a designated Clean Air Summit to allow stakeholders the opportunity to provide direct feedback.
Mr Marshall said NSW should be pleased with its air quality and its record on clean air action – but the plan will improve on that for the future.
“Current air quality in NSW rates well by international standards, but as our population grows and our infrastructure and industry projects grow, the way we manage air pollution will need to expand so we can continue to breathe the cleanest air possible,” Mr Marshall said.
Public submissions are open until Friday, 20 January 2017. The NSW EPA will manage the consultation process. Read the consultation paper and have your say at the EPA website www.engage.environment.nsw.gov.au/EPAconsult/