AIR pollution problems continue to beset Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, according to submissions to a national air quality inquiry.
Submissions to the Federal Parliament’s “impacts on health of air quality in Australia” inquiry highlight the health effects of heavy diesel emissions and the dust and odour-plagued Brooklyn industrial precinct.
Maribyrnong Council’s submission noted high diesel emission rates across Maribyrnong due to its location at the centre of the growth in international trade.
“The growth brings with it a plethora of problems in the form of increased air pollution and noise, significant contribution to climate change, increased pressure for spending on transport infrastructure, provision for additional health services to cope with the associated increase in health problems, and a myriad of related social problems.”
The submission noted a growing body of evidence that low-income, minority communities were more heavily impacted by transport emissions. There was “overwhelming medical evidence” documenting the serious adverse health effects of exposure to diesel exhaust, including asthma attacks, strokes, heart attacks, adverse birth outcomes and effects on the immune system.
The council wants clean truck and alternative fuels programs, tighter diesel emissions standards and state planning changes so that “sensitive use” facilities such as schools are away from high-traffic volume transport corridors.
Hobsons Bay Council’s submission slammed Brooklyn’s dust and odour problems and traced continuing air quality issues to operations associated with the Altona Chemical Complex, petroleum refinery and a concrete recycling operations in a disused quarry. The Brooklyn Triangle was reported as the state’s worst dust pollution black spot — five times worse than the next-worst site.
“The council is concerned that despite the best efforts of all concerned, dust and odour issues continue to adversely impact on residents of Hobsons Bay, particularly those living in Brooklyn, Altona North, Laverton, South Kingsville and Newport.”
The council wants an urgent review into the monitoring, reporting and regulation of air quality.
On The Nose Community Group’s submission highlighted both the physical and mental health effects of poor air quality. “Issues such as lack of pride in oneself and the area in which they live can contribute to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, gambling, substance abuse and crime.”
Maribyrnong Truck Action Group focused on the effect on health of people in Melbourne’s inner west due to poor air quality caused by diesel particulate emissions from more than 21,000 trucks on residential streets each weekday. It called for extended truck curfews, designated trucks routes avoiding residential areas, road links directly from industrial areas to freeways and more freight on rail.
