Tara Murray
Victorian residents are being encouraged to make a submission to an inquiry into the health impacts of air pollution in Victoria.
The Legislative Council’s Environment and Planning Committee has set up the inquiry to try and determine what can be done to minimise the impacts from pollutants.
Exposure to common air pollutants can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, lead to premature death and cost the Victorian economy hundreds of millions of dollars per year, according to the committee.
Committee chair Sonja Terpstra said they want to hear from people across the state who have information or suggestions on ways to ensure that Victorians can enjoy clean air in all the places.
“Clean air is an essential part of living a healthy life, so I encourage anyone who has views to share on Victoria’s air quality to make a submission to our inquiry,” Ms Terpstra said.
Air pollution has been an ongoing issue within Brimbank, with many residents and the council expressing their frustrations at the air quality in the municipality over the years.
The committee will seek to identify statewide practical, real-time, cost-effective mitigation strategies and determine to what extent these strategies are ensuring that Victorian air quality continues to track towards meeting or exceeding current international best practice standards.
It will also seek to determine the impact of economic and population growth on air pollution and health outcomes and strengthen commitments across all Victorian government portfolios to reduce air pollution and minimise the impact on the health of the Victorian population and environment.
Submissions are due by April 2, with public hearings to be held in May and June.
A final report will be presented in Parliament in August.
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