Jennifer Pittorino
Since Maribyrnong council declared a health emergency in May regarding the air pollution in the area, the local community has been left asking what the next steps are.
A Victorian government spokesperson said it is working towards a cleaner Maribyrnong for its growing population.
“To address air pollution across Victoria, the Andrews Labor government introduced the state’s first overarching Air Quality Strategy, Clean Air for All Victorians,” the spokesperson said.
“Clean Air for All Victorians is a 10-year strategy to target pollution and improve air quality as we tackle climate change and population growth.
“The strategy commits to targeted actions to improve air quality in Melbourne’s inner west – including Maribyrnong.”
According to the government, Melbourne’s air pollution level is generally low and is classified in the ‘good’ air quality category by international standards.
The government said $2.8 million has been invested to establish two air quality improvement precincts in the inner west and outer west of Melbourne.
These precincts will reduce air pollution and address emerging environmental challenges, in partnership with the community and business, the government said.
The government also announced in the recent budget that $20 million will be allocated to local councils in the inner west, with co-contribution grants to seal unsealed roads under council management, reducing airborne dust pollution.
Grants will also be made available to transport operators to modernise the truck fleet travelling through the inner west.
The government said several initiatives to reduce diesel emissions from freight transport are continuing to be delivered, including the Port Rail Shuttle Network and Port Rail Transformation projects.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for monitoring air quality across the state and in local areas.
Residents concerned about local air quality can visit EPA AirWatch or contact council.
