What Council is doing to improve air quality
In 2023, Council declared a health emergency in the City of Maribyrnong following the endorsement of its Air Quality Improvement Plan (AQIP)(PDF, 3MB) in 2022, the first of its kind adopted by any local authority in Victoria.
The AQIP provides a comprehensive action plan to address the environmental concerns caused by poor air quality and its impact on the health of Maribyrnong residents. This plan outlines several strategies to mitigate air pollution and improve overall air quality in the City.
Supporting Policies and Strategies
Several Council policies and strategies support the AQIP, including:
- Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP): Focuses on reducing vehicle and other emissions to combat climate change and improve air quality.
- Maribyrnong Integrated Transport Strategy (MITS): Aims to reduce vehicle emissions by promoting sustainable transport options.
- Maribyrnong Walking Strategy 2023-2033: Will set the direction and vision for a more walkable, sustainable and healthier Maribyrnong.
- Urban Forest Strategy: Plans for the City's vegetation, trees and plants to ensure they are suitable and to maximise social, environmental and economic benefits to our community.
By implementing these plans and strategies, Council is committed to improving air quality and the overall health of our community.
Air Quality Monitoring
As a part of Council's Smart City initiative, six sensors were installed in the City of Maribyrnong to monitor air quality in the municipality. In an effort to expand this air quality monitoring network, Council are collaborating with RMIT University to install a number of new sensors as part of the Community-Led Air Monitoring Network project.
You can learn more about this project and contribute your local air pollution hotspot knowledge by visiting Your City Your Voice.
Advocacy and Collaboration
While Council has limited capabilities on its own, it relies on Australian and Victorian government policies and initiatives to bring significant improvements.
Council continuously advocates for a range of programs that could significantly enhance air quality in Maribyrnong and the broader western region.
This includes advocating for:
- Improved emission standards for trucks and cars
- Fast tracking of the Port Rail Shuttle
- Banning non-local trucks from using residential streets, containing schools and childcare centres, to access the Port of Melbourne
- Enacting legislation to remove the older trucks from suburban streets
- Ensuring compliance with the updated World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guidelines
- Transitioning the public transport bus fleet to electric in a much shorter timeframe than currently proposed
- Providing financial incentives to local government for implementing safe, active transport routes for children to travel to school
Council supports the Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group (IWAQCRG), their report, and recommendations to State Government
Stay informed and get involved