The air quality index (AQI) is a measurement system used to communicate the quality of air in a given location, specifically in regards to the health impacts of pollutants.
The AQI values for Albury are generally good, with the city having lower levels of air pollution compared to larger metropolitan areas in Australia. According to NSW Environment Protection Authority data, the annual average AQI value for Albury is 32, which falls into the "good" category on the index.
In comparison to other major cities in Australia, Albury has better air quality overall. For example, Sydney and Melbourne have higher annual average AQI values of 42 and 44 respectively, indicating slightly higher levels of air pollutants.
The outlook is positive in terms of maintaining and improving air quality in Albury into the future. One factor is the introduction of stricter national environmental laws over time, such as fuel and emission standards for vehicles and industry. These laws aim to drive down key causes of air pollution like particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone.
Additionally, the local government has initiatives and policies focused on environmental sustainability and keeping pollution low. With the city's relatively smaller population size, Albury is well positioned compared to large metro areas when it comes to air pollution management under the existing and future environmental law framework. The goal is for Albury to continue having "good" air quality for years to come.
What is the air quality index of Albury?
Yes, the current air quality index (AQI) value for Albury is 32 according to data from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. This AQI value indicates good air quality.
Does Albury have good air quality compared to other cities?
Yes, Albury does have good air quality compared to other major cities in Australia. According to average AQI values over 2021, Albury ranked 3rd best for air quality behind Hobart (AQI 29) and Canberra (AQI 30). Other cities like Sydney (AQI 42), Melbourne (AQI 44) and Brisbane (AQI 34) had worse air quality than Albury.
Is Albury more polluted than Melbourne?
No, Albury is not more polluted than Melbourne. In 2021, the average AQI value for Albury was 32 which falls into the "good" category, while Melbourne's average AQI was 44 which rates as "fair" on the air quality index scale. Over the past 5 years, Melbourne has consistently had higher annual average AQI values than Albury, indicating more air pollutants and reduced air quality compared to Albury.
What are the main sources of air pollution in Albury?
The main air pollutants of concern in Albury are particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone, which primarily come from motor vehicle emissions and wood heaters.
As a regional city with a population of over 50,000 people, motor vehicle emissions have an impact on Albury's air quality. The number of registered vehicles in the area contributes to higher levels of particulates and NO2.
There are no heavy industrial activities in Albury that substantially contribute to air pollutants. Some light industries like manufacturing and food production would have a minor impact.
What strategies are in place to improve air quality in Albury?
Connecting to the previous motor vehicle emissions issue, the NSW government has vehicle emission testing in place to help remove heavily polluting cars from the roads. Residents are also encouraged to avoid wood fire smoke pollution by not burning damp wood.
Additionally, long-term urban planning decisions by the Albury City Council factor in objectives to reduce private motor vehicle use and promote public and active transport. More cycling lanes, walkable neighbourhoods and future public transport investments can help limit growth in traffic volumes and associated emissions. This is a key part of the council's clean air strategy.
What is Australia doing to prevent air pollution in Albury?
The NSW Environment Protection Authority works with Albury City Council on monitoring local air quality and identifying pollution reduction priorities. Research groups also contribute data and analysis to inform air quality management decisions.
National vehicle emission standards, fuel quality standards and industrial air pollution laws set by the Australian government apply in Albury and help to regulate and prevent poor air quality.
How do local government policies in Albury address air pollution?
Albury City Council has adopted the NSW Action for Air plan which sets out priority areas to address particulate matter, transport emissions and smoke pollution through local-level actions. The goal is to meet national air quality standards.
How can we reduce air pollution in Albury?
Individuals can help reduce emissions by walking, cycling and using public transport instead of driving private vehicles around Albury. Supporting council and state government efforts to upgrade public and active transit infrastructure can promote wider adoption of these low-emission modes of transport.
Indoor air quality in homes and workplaces can be improved by ensuring there are no indoor smoke sources, conducting regular ventilation, using eco-friendly cleaning products and adding indoor plants which help filter some pollutants.
How did air pollution in Albury change over time?
Over the past 10 years, air quality in Albury has been relatively stable, with AQI values centred around the ‘good’ range of 31-40 each year. This suggests current programs and regulations have kept pace with population growth to prevent any substantial rise in emissions and smog pollution.
Stricter national standards on vehicle emissions and fuel quality introduced by the Australian Government over the last decade have regulated motor vehicle and industry pollutants despite rising numbers of cars in the Albury region.
What are the future predictions for air pollution in Albury?
Based on current projections by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, air quality in Albury is expected to remain stable out to 2031 if progress on emissions control continues. Albury should avoid the worsening air pollution trajectories of Australia's largest cities.
Sophisticated dispersion models take into account expected population growth, traffic volume changes, planned industry regulation and meteorology to predict Albury's pollution levels years in advance across key pollutants.
Climate change may cause Albury to experience hotter and drier conditions more often, which can increase the frequency of high air pollution days during summer. However the overall impact is expected to be manageable if urban planning adapts accordingly.
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