The air quality index (AQI) is a measurement used by government agencies to communicate air pollution levels to the public. A higher AQI value indicates a higher level of air pollution and higher health risk.
The AQI in Wollongong, a coastal city south of Sydney in New South Wales, is generally good compared to other Australian cities. However, bushfire smoke and seasonal dust storms can cause the AQI to temporarily rise to hazardous levels.
The Wollongong AQI is calculated based on the levels of major air pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Values below 100 are considered satisfactory while values above 100 indicate unhealthy air for sensitive groups or all people.
In 2022, Wollongong had an average AQI of 33. This puts air quality in the "good" category, with maximum values reaching up to 184 during bushfire events. In comparison, larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne often have higher average AQI values in the 40s-50s. Peak AQI values also frequently enter the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range.
Wollongong's lower population density, coastal location and fewer local air pollution sources like heavy industry and traffic contribute to better average air quality compared to other Australian metropolises. However, the entire east coast of Australia suffers from smoke haze carried by winds during the annual bushfire season. Dust storms originating from inland desert regions can also occasionally impact Wollongong's air.
Climate change is expected to worsen heat waves, droughts and bushfires in Australia, which will further degrade air quality in the coming decades. To improve air quality under Australia's national environment law, the government has implemented stricter vehicle emission standards, industrial air pollution regulations, and programs to reduce hazard reduction burning impacts. Wollongong City Council also runs local initiatives to increase public transport usage and cycling.
What is the air quality index of Wollongong?
As of February 9, 2023, the current Air Quality Index (AQI) for Wollongong is 32 according to data from IQAir. This indicates good overall air quality. Values below 50 are considered satisfactory, while under 100 is generally deemed acceptable.
Does Wollongong have good air quality compared to other cities?
Yes, Wollongong enjoys comparatively good air quality amongst Australian cities. In 2022, it had an average AQI of 33 which ranks better than Melbourne (46), Sydney (45), Brisbane (38) and Perth (36) based on historical IQAir records. Wollongong's lower population density and fewer local pollution sources contribute to less smog and particulate matter than busier urban areas.
Is Wollongong more polluted than Melbourne?
No, Wollongong has substantially better air quality than Melbourne. In 2022, Wollongong's average AQI was 33 compared to 46 in Melbourne. Peak single day AQI values reached 184 in Wollongong last year, primarily due to bushfire smoke. By comparison, Melbourne saw maximum daily readings over 200 on dozens of days resulting from higher levels of industrial facilities, vehicles, wood heaters and other pollution sources. However, on very poor air quality days, both cities can experience hazardous conditions.
What are the main sources of air pollution in Wollongong?
The primary air pollutants of concern in Wollongong are particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone. These mainly arise from motor vehicle emissions, smoke from bushfires and hazard reduction burns, seasonal dust storms, and shipping/industrial emissions.
Vehicle exhaust, particularly from diesel engines, is a major contributor to PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides which cause ground-level ozone formation. Wollongong's coastal setting and nearby arterial roads like the M1 motorway facilitate pollution transport from other regions. Efforts are underway to promote electric vehicle adoption and public transport usage to mitigate transport-related emissions.
Key industrial sources include the BlueScope Steel manufacturing plant and Port Kembla coal terminal which can generate particulate and sulfur dioxide pollution during operations. Stricter national air quality standards and pollution control technologies aim to limit industrial impacts.
What strategies are in place to improve air quality in Wollongong?
The NSW Environment Protection Authority regulates and enforces air pollution laws in the Wollongong area. BlueScope, the port and other major emitters operate under licences that require monitoring and restricting of air emissions. Development approval conditions also mandate air quality assessments for new projects.
Additionally, Wollongong City Council runs education programs on ways residents can reduce air pollution, including avoiding wood heaters, composting rather than burning green waste, and walking/cycling rather than driving for local trips. Bushfire smoke response plans are also in place.
What is Australia doing to prevent air pollution in Wollongong?
The NSW Environment Protection Authority works with Wollongong City Council, industry representatives and community groups as part of the NSW Air Quality Network to monitor conditions and identify solutions. Recent research partnerships have also assessed pollution sources and modelled air quality scenarios.
Key regulations include the Protection of the Environment Operations Act enforcing licence conditions on major emitters and penalising breaches. Development approvals may also require air quality impact assessments. The national NEPM Air Quality Standards also inform local airshed management and policies.
How do local government policies in Wollongong address air pollution?
Wollongong City Council adopted the NSW Air Quality Strategy - Action for Air plan in 2021. This coordinates council initiatives around transport planning, urban greening, energy efficiency incentives and community education to reduce sources of local air pollution. Air quality alerts and communications have also been improved.
How can we reduce air pollution in Wollongong?
Individuals can help cut transport emissions in Wollongong by walking, cycling and taking public transit instead of driving whenever possible. Supporting expansion of EVs, low emission public transport and active transport infrastructure through community feedback and voting also assists.
Reducing wood smoke pollution by avoiding wood heaters in homes and correctly disposing green waste rather than burning it makes a difference. Additionally, conserving energy, growing indoor plants and using non-toxic furnishings and cleaning products can enhance indoor air quality in buildings.
How did air pollution in Wollongong change over time?
Over the past decade, Wollongong has maintained relatively good and stable air quality compared to other urban areas in NSW. Stricter national standards and state government emissions reduction programs have contributed to downward trends in industrial sulfur dioxide levels and vehicle pollution. However, bushfire smoke and dust storms continue influencing seasonal spikes in particulate matter.
Key policies leading to air quality improvements include the Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2021 tightening industrial air emission limits. Reforms to vehicle emission standards and fuel quality have also reduced transport-related air pollution. Wollongong’s pollution levels have remained below national standards for priority pollutants like ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
What are the future predictions for air pollution in Wollongong?
Climate projections anticipate Wollongong's air quality will decline in coming years due to hotter, drier conditions increasing bushfire frequency and intensity. One study predicted average annual PM2.5 concentrations could rise up to 30% by 2100 if greenhouse emissions remain very high. More intense heat waves may also amplify ground-level ozone formation.
However, the NSW government is investing in improved seasonal forecasting and air quality modelling to enable better planning and responses. Transitioning to renewable energy, widespread EV adoption, enhancing public transport and further cutting industrial emissions would mitigate detrimental impacts on Wollongong’s air.
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