Illawarra regionIllawarra region
The Illawarra region covers the Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama local government areas. It is a narrow strip of land, bounded by the Illawarra escarpment to the west and the coastline to the east, Garie Beach to the north and Gerroa to the south. The region’s terrain and coastal position influence local weather patterns and consequently air quality.
Monitoring and reportingMonitoring and reporting
We monitor air quality at Wollongong, Kembla Grange and Albion Park South. Download the network site information (XLSX 44KB).
Using data from these stations, we provide hourly updated air quality categories (AQC).
Research studiesResearch studies
In 2015 the department did a study on air quality trends in the Illawarra. This study is documented in a report titled Air quality trends in the Illawarra.
This report describes how air quality has changed in the Illawarra over the past 2 decades. It draws on data from the department's air quality monitoring network, emission inventories, air quality modelling and particle speciation studies. It also describes the local airshed and identifies areas of future research to expand our understanding of air pollution and its impacts.