The Andrews Labor Government is giving locals the opportunity to provide input into future improvements for air quality in the inner west.

The Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio and Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan today announced the Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group.

The Reference Group will investigate air quality across the inner west and explore sources of pollution to find the best solutions for managing air quality and emissions in the inner west.

The Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group will include representatives from key community groups, residents and representatives from Hobson’s Bay, Brimbank and Maribyrnong Councils.

This announcement builds on the Labor Government’s extension of air quality monitoring for 10 years and its involvement of the local community in decisions concerning air quality and the West Gate Tunnel Project.

The Group will examine air quality monitoring regimes with full access to the available data from the new air quality monitoring program, which was established by the West Gate Tunnel project.

Construction is underway on the West Gate Tunnel, which will take more than 9,000 trucks per day off residential streets in the inner west, build additional noise walls, create new open spaces and complete Federation Trail.

The Group’s work will also contribute to the Labor Government’s Victorian Air Quality Strategy, which will set out clear, sustainable and cost-effective approaches to monitor and manage air quality over the next decade.

For more information on the Inner West Air Quality Community Reference Group visit: environment.vic.gov.au/sustainability/inner-west-air-quality-reference-group

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Local communities in Melbourne’s west have excellent ideas on how to improve air quality, we are giving the inner west community a chance to have their voices heard.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan

“We have listened to the community every step of the way and we will keep doing this to find the best solution for the inner west.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan

“I have campaigned for initiatives to create cleaner air in the inner west and I’m pleased the establishment of this group will help further improve air quality in our region.”