OPENAIR

Improving air quality outcomes across NSW using air quality monitoring for healthier communities.

Last updated: 24 July 2023

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Collaborators

NSW Smart Sensing Network
University of Technology, Sydney
University of Sydney
University of NSW
Australian National University
Western Sydney University

Councils involved

Newcastle City Council
City of Parramatta Council
Hawkesbury City Council
Lake Macquarie City Council
Muswellbrook Shire Council
Northern Beaches Council
Orange City Council
Sunshine Coast
Sutherland Shire Council
Tweed Shire Council
Wollondilly Shire Council
Wollongong City Council

Introduction

OPENAIR is an initiative led by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and the NSW Smart Sensing Network. The aim of this initiative is to provide local governments with the latest technology and information on inexpensive air quality sensors. For the first time in Australia, this group will establish a best-practice methodology for all aspects of council-led air quality monitoring.

This will result in creating healthier communities throughout NSW.

The Operational Network of Air Quality Impact Resources (OPENAIR) project documentary

Challenge

Summer heat waves, urban heat islands and air pollution are increasingly common challenges for both local governments and state government agencies.

Local environmental data is needed to address problems impacting how we live in our cities and regional centres.

Understanding what’s happening before and during air pollution and heatwave events can help us build systems that warn us. It also helps us develop policies and interventions to protect the vulnerable.

Our world is changing. People are getting older. We are using our land differently. The weather is getting warmer. The air might not be as clean. We need to be aware of these problems as they arise. If we do, people who make plans for our cities can help us be ready for these issues. They can make sure our cities are strong and safe for the future.

Of the 128 local governments in NSW, only a small number can effectively plan for, deploy and use environmental sensors to address air quality issues.

Solution

Low-cost environmental sensors for checking air quality let us gather information on air pollution in cities. We can then share this data with people at the local level and with researchers and within government.

This program will create a blueprint for local government, incorporating best practice standards, policy and globally significant case studies.

The approach will be piloted in a range of metropolitan, urban and regional local government areas addressing real, locally relevant environmental issues in each local government area.