Upper Hunter air quality monitoring network
Project background
In October 2009, the NSW Government, in partnership with the Upper Hunter coal and power industries, announced the establishment of an air quality monitoring network in Upper Hunter Valley. Details of the project proposal are available on the Fact sheet: Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network.
In November 2009, the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) held community meetings in Singleton and Muswellbrook. The purpose of the meetings was to communicate the rationale for the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network, explain the partnership between industry and government, and gauge whether the planned network met the expectations of the community. People who attended the meetings were invited to submit questions to OEH about the proposed Network. These questions and OEH’s answers are available in Questions and Answers.
The first two monitoring stations in the network, at Singleton and Muswellbrook, commenced operation in December 2010 with the remaining sites to be established by the end of 2011. Information on the current status of the Network can be obtained from the Advisory Committee meeting minutes.
Monitoring results
For current monitoring results from the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network go to www.environment.nsw.gov.au/AQMS/aqi.htm.
To search historical data go to www.environment.nsw.gov.au/AQMS/search.htm.
Advisory committee
In September 2010, the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network Advisory Committee was established. The charter of the committee is to advise OEH on matters specifically related to the design and operation of the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network.
The 13 members appointed to the committee were:
- Wayne Bedggood - Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders' Association
- David Casson - Upper Hunter Shire Council
- Catherine Cole - Chairperson
- Dr Craig Dalton - NSW Health
- Chris Gidney - Muswellbrook Council
- Rory Gordon - NSW Minerals Council /Rio Tinto Coal & Allied
- Nicholas Hall - NSW Department of Planning
- Cr Lynn MacBain - Singleton Council
- Kenneth McDonald - independent community member
- John Neely - Macquarie Generation (Martin Addinall Redbank Power - Deputy)
- Patrice Newell - Minister's nominated community member
- Carol Russell - Singleton Shire Healthy Environment Group (SSHEG)
- Wendy Wales - Hunter Environment Lobby
- John Watson - NSW Minerals Council/Xstrata
The committee membership was chosen to represent a broad range of views to ensure a balanced approach to the establishment of this important air quality monitoring network. Changes to the committee membership since September 2010 are recorded in the minutes of the Advisory Committee meetings.
Terms of Reference
OEH has prepared a Terms of Reference and Constitution to support and guide the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network Advisory Committee.
The committee’s Terms of Reference are available from the Advisory Committee Terms of Reference & Constitution.
If you would like to know more about the matters that the committee has been considering, please refer to the minutes below:
Related sites
If you are interested in health related issues, visit NSW Health .
If you are interested in issues relating to the planning or development approval process, visit the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure’s website.
Community feedback
If you have comments or feedback on the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network please email: airmonitoring.upperhunter@environment.nsw.gov.au
Page last updated: 23 November 2011
