Air quality
Find current air quality information, learn about common sources of air pollution and report smoke, dust or other air pollution concerns.
If smoke or fire presents an immediate threat to people or property, call Triple Zero (000).
Frequently accessed
The air around us can carry different types of pollution that may be harmful to our health. This air pollution is made up of a mixture of tiny solid particles, liquid droplets, and gases that come from everyday sources like car emissions, factories, controlled burns, heating systems, and cigarette smoke. The particles can also be generated by natural events such as bush fires and can contain windblown dust, pollen and mould spores.
The makeup of air pollution can change a lot depending on the season, the weather, and how many pollution sources are around.
Actions AlburyCity Council is taking to improve air quality
AlburyCity regulates and investigates vegetation burning in the Albury Local Government Area as part of our legal obligation to prevent or minimise air pollution. Council’s Controlled Burning Policy [572.1 KB | PDF] and Controlled Burning Standard Operating Procedure [560.77 KB | DOC] encourages recycling and suitable land disposal instead of burning in urban areas but recognises that rural property owners may need to reduce fire hazards and excess vegetation through the traditional practice of burning.
AlburyCity is responsible for complaints about air pollution that relate to industries or facilities that are not covered by the Act.
We’re also responsible for regulating and managing vegetation burn-offs that can contribute to air pollution. Our Controlled Burning Policy sets out a permit process and procedures for burning.
A list of what the community can and cannot burn is available on Council’s website at Controlled burning | AlburyCity
What you can do to improve air quality
The most important thing you can do about reducing particulate pollution is to comply with our Controlled Burning Policy and Procedure, minimise smoke from any controlled burning you do, and reduce the amount of smoke from your wood heater.
Smoke from wood heaters can pollute the air and cause health problems. To prevent your wood heater creating excessive smoke, follow these simple tips:
- burn on dry, seasoned and untreated wood
- get a hot fire going quickly with plenty of paper and small kindling
- keep the fire burning brightly
- don't overload your wood heater with too much wood
- have your flue professionally checked and cleaned regularly
Common pollutants: wood smoke from household heaters
Although wood is a natural material, burning it produces smoke filled with tiny particles that can be harmful to human health. If you can smell the smoke, you are already breathing it in. The good news is that this pollution can be greatly reduced by using wood heaters more efficiently and responsibly. For further information on what you can do about wood smoke pollution, please visit: wood smoke pollution.
Air quality data and authoritative sources
Access current local monitoring information, NSW air quality data, health guidance and national air quality standards.
