I am pleased to advise that the Government is undertaking a range of measures to reduce dust in the Hunter Region. These measures are summarised in the Upper Hunter Air Particles Action Plan, which was launched earlier this year.

In addition, the Office of Environment and Heritage and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) operate a comprehensive network of air monitors in the Newcastle and Upper Hunter areas. The data from these monitors is publicly available.

The EPA has also required the Australian Rail Track Corporation to undertake two studies of dust from the trains on the rail corridor. Both studies demonstrated that coal trains did not contribute higher levels of dust than other trains. The most recent study will be independently reviewed by Dr Luke Knibbs from the University of Queensland. 

The Newcastle Community Consultative Committee on the Environment continues to advise the EPA on air quality issues and other important environmental issues in the area. The Committee is providing advice on the establishment of the proposed Lower Hunter environmental monitoring network.