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In 2019, New South Wales experienced record temperatures and persistent dry conditions, with more than 95% of the state drought-declared for the entirety of 2019. In January to April and October to December, the state was more than 99% drought declared.

Air quality in New South Wales met national standards between 60% and 91% of the time across regions in 2019. There was an increase in the number of days reaching hazardous pollution levels compared with 2018.

Ozone levels were over the national standards on 29 days (meeting the standards 92% of the time). This was 22 more days than 2018, when the ozone standards were exceeded on 7 days.

In 2019, PM10 levels met the national standard at 19 of 36 sites with annual average data. Seventeen of the sites exceeded the national PM10 annual average standard.

In 2019, more stations recorded days above the PM2.5 daily standard and particle levels were higher, compared with 2018.

We continue to improve our air quality monitoring, reporting, forecasting and research capabilities to meet the data and information needs of the people of New South Wales.

This section examines air quality at monitoring stations near industrial activities in the Newcastle and Upper Hunter regions.

The NSW air quality monitoring network recorded more days above the PM2.5 national standard and with higher maximum levels from October to December 2019, than in any previous bushfire season (October to March) since 1998.

Estuaries form a place of transition from freshwater environments on the land to the marine environment of the sea.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water supports councils and communities to help reduce flood risk. Learn about our role and your council's role in helping reduce flood risk.