Policies and initiatives > Direction 7. A greener city > Policy 7.6

Policy 7.6 – Ensure that land-use and transport planning and infrastructure provision contribute to improved air quality

While metropolitan Melbourne’s air quality has improved in the past 20 years and is relatively good compared with cities of similar size around the world, there are times when air quality standards are not met. Recent studies indicate that premature deaths and hospital admissions are linked to air pollution in Melbourne, particularly for people with existing conditions such as respiratory and heart disease. Other studies demonstrate that people travelling in cars are exposed to relatively high concentrations of air pollutants. Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen oxides also contributes to excess nutrient levels in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port.

The relevant statutory policies for protecting air quality in Victoria are the SEPP (Ambient Air Quality) and the SEPP (Air Quality Management). The former incorporates national air quality standards, and the latter establishes the statutory policy framework for managing emissions. The air quality improvement plan for the Port Phillip area outlines initiatives to ensure that air quality continues to improve.

Emissions from motor vehicles will be reduced with the phase-in of stricter controls on emissions, to bring Australia into line with Europe by the end of the decade. However, EPA Victoria projections indicate that this will be partially offset by increased vehicle numbers and emissions from other sources.

Although motor vehicles are the major cause of many urban air pollutants, domestic wood heating is the biggest contributor to particles during winter. Reducing these emissions is an important priority of the air quality improvement plan. Reflecting a government commitment, EPA Victoria is developing a statutory policy to prevent the manufacture and supply of wood heaters that do not meet Australian Standards, and to encourage correct installation of wood heaters.

Melbourne 2030 supports the goals of the air quality improvement plan by focusing on:

• integrating transport and land-use planning to improve transport accessibility and connections
• establishing an urban growth boundary to help manage urban growth
• locating key developments in Principal and Major Activity Centres
• investing in infrastructure for public transport, walking and cycling
• designing urban neighbourhoods and activity centres to reduce exposure to pollution hot spots.

Initiatives