Walk instead of driving when you can
Seven councils in New South Wales have received funding under the Let's Clear the Air initiative to run education programs that will encourage people to take action to improve local air quality.
Six local projects were awarded between $20,000 and $50,000. The projects are located in Sydney's Greater Metropolitan Region and regional NSW.
"These programs will address air quality issues, ranging from reducing wood smoke pollution, to training in enviro driving practices and encouraging commuters to use sustainable transport," said Bernard Carlon, Divisional Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW.
"They will directly benefit their local communities as well as stand as a demonstration to councils across the state about the different ways they can motivate their communities to act to improve air quality."
The projects funded under the grant are listed in the table below.
| Council |
Project Name |
Grant |
| Armidale Dumaresq Council |
Let's clear the air, Wood Smoke Pollution in Armidale |
$30,000 |
| Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Council |
ECO-nomic Driving |
$50,000 |
| Lake Macquarie City Council |
Lake Macquarie Clean Air Health Communities |
$20,000 |
| Maitland City Council |
Cycling for a Better Maitland |
$20,000 |
| Parramatta City Council |
Sustainable Transport Month, Let's clear the air |
$21,000 |
| Willoughby City Council |
Fresh moves for clear air |
$21,000 |
Using public transport can help reduce you impact on air quality
Projected population growth in NSW means in future, there will be more people and more vehicles travelling more kilometres on our roads. This will undoubtedly have an adverse effect on our air quality.
More hot days can also reduce our air quality because warmer dryer conditions increase the chance of smog, dust storms and fires.
All NSW residents are being encouraged to walk, cycle, use public transport and practice enviro-driving. "Enviro-driving" means using and maintaining your car so that it is running at optimal efficiency. As well as reducing emissions, enviro-driving could help you use 30 per cent less fuel and save money. Walking and cycling will improve your fitness levels too.
More information
To find out more, visit Clear the Air.