Home

We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the sovereign Traditional Owners of Australia and thank them for their stewardship of this Country, its lands, waters and skies. We respectfully acknowledge their culture and customary practices, and pay respect to their Ancestors, Elders and future leaders.

For the first time, the State of the Environment report includes a strong Indigenous narrative across all 12 thematic chapters, a narrative crafted through recognising the leadership, collaboration and authorship of Indigenous Australians who continue their connection as Traditional Owners to their lands, waters and skies.

Click to view the State of the Environment report

 

On 28 March 2025 the government assumed a Caretaker role. Information on websites maintained by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will be published in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions until after the conclusion of the caretaker period.

Due to technical issues, graphs, maps and tables are currently not displaying within the main content, however, are available via the chapter resources navigation bar. We are working on a solution to resolve the issue.

Assessments

What are assessments?

Authors of the report assess various aspects of the environment and rate their status, the impact of pressures, the effectiveness of management, and the impact on our wellbeing. Assessments are based on the current science and literature and expert opinion, and authors also rate their confidence in the strength of the evidence that supports the assessment. 

Showing results 1 - 5 of 5
Assessment Ozone levels in main Australian cities, 2015–19
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence

Ozone levels are generally good in Australian cities; however, levels in many cities have increased since the 2016 assessment, and thus the overall situation is deteriorating. In addition, the National Environment Protection Measures standard was lowered in 2021, and many cities are likely to exceed the new standard. Reduction of the main sources of nitrogen oxides, especially vehicles, is needed to reduce ozone levels.
Related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal targets 3.9, 11.6,12.4

Legend
How was this assessment made
For more information, go toOutdoor air quality
Assessment Adelaide ozone (4-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 38; good 61; fair <1; poor 0; very poor 0; extremely poor 0

Assessment Brisbane ozone (4-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is improving.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 53; good 46; fair 1; poor 0; very poor 0; extremely poor 0

Assessment Canberra ozone (4-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, but the situation was deteriorating.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 25; good 72; fair 2; poor <1; very poor <1; extremely poor 0

Assessment Darwin ozone (4-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 49; good 50; fair 1; poor <1; very poor 0; extremely poor 0

Assessment Melbourne ozone (4-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 32; good 65; fair 3; poor 0; very poor 0; extremely poor 0

Assessment Perth ozone (4-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 18; good 79; fair 3; poor <1; very poor 0; extremely poor 0

Assessment Sydney ozone (4-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 15; good 77; fair 7; poor <1; very poor <1; extremely poor 0

Assessment NSW (Kembla Grange) ozone (4-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 30; good 69; fair 2; poor <1; very poor 0; extremely poor 0

Assessment Vic (Traralgon) ozone (4-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, but the trend was unclear.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 62; good 37; fair <1; poor 0; very poor 0; extremely poor 0

Assessment PM10 levels in main Australian cities, 2015–19
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is stable.
Adequate confidence

Coarse particulate matter (PM10) levels are generally good or very good in Australian cities, and this assessment has remained generally stable since the 2016 assessment. Only Adelaide and Sydney have deteriorating levels of PM10. Related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal targets 3.9, 11.6, 12.4

Legend
How was this assessment made
For more information, go toOutdoor air quality
Assessment Adelaide PM10 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 44; good 51; fair 4; poor <1; very poor <1; extremely poor <1

Assessment Brisbane PM10 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 62; good 34 fair 3; poor 1; very poor 0; extremely poor 0

Assessment Canberra PM10 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 85; good 13; fair <1; poor <1; very poor <1; extremely poor <1

Assessment Darwin PM10 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 49; good 41; fair 8; poor 1; very poor <1; extremely poor <1

Assessment Hobart PM10 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is improving.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, but the trend was unclear.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 85; good 14; fair <1; poor 0; very poor 0; extremely poor 0

Assessment Melbourne PM10 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is improving.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 71; good 27; fair 2; poor <1; very poor 0; extremely poor <1

Assessment Perth PM10 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is improving.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 58; good 39; fair 3; poor <1; very poor <1; extremely poor 0

Assessment Sydney PM10 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 50; good 43; fair 5; poor 1; very poor <1; extremely poor <1

Assessment NSW (Wagga Wagga) PM10 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 42; good 38; fair 13; poor 5; very poor 1; extremely poor 1

Assessment Qld (Mackay) PM10 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 26; good 69; fair 4; poor <1; very poor <1; extremely poor <1

Assessment SA (Port Pirie) PM10 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 59; good 36; fair 4; poor 1; very poor <1; extremely poor <1

Assessment Tas (Launceston) PM10 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, but the trend was unclear.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 71; good 26; fair 2; poor <1; very poor <1; extremely poor <1

Assessment Vic (Geelong) PM10 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 57; good 35; fair 5; poor 2; very poor <1; extremely poor <1

Assessment WA (Bunbury) PM10 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is improving.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 61; good 36; fair 2; poor <1; very poor <1; extremely poor <1

Assessment PM2.5 levels in Australian capital cities, 2015–19
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are generally good in Australian cities; however, this situation is deteriorating, with increasing levels in 5 out of 8 capital cities. This is particularly of concern because these smaller particles can have more severe health effects.
Related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal targets 3.9, 11.6, 12.4

Legend
How was this assessment made
For more information, go toOutdoor air quality
Assessment Adelaide PM2.5 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 60; good 39; fair 1; poor 0; very poor 0; extremely poor 0

Assessment Brisbane PM2.5 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 83; good 16; fair 1; poor <1; very poor <1; extremely poor <1

Assessment Canberra PM2.5 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, but the situation was deteriorating.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 69; good 20; fair 6; poor 3; very poor <1; extremely poor <1

Assessment Darwin PM2.5 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, but the situation was deteriorating.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 56; good 31; fair 9; poor 3; very poor <1; extremely poor <1

Assessment Hobart PM2.5 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was improving.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 80; good 17; fair 2; poor <1; very poor <1; extremely poor <1

Assessment Melbourne PM2.5 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, and the situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, and the situation was stable.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 65; good 30; fair 4; poor 1; very poor <1; extremely poor 0

Assessment Perth PM2.5 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is very good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, but the situation was deteriorating.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 56; good 41; fair 2; poor <1; very poor <1; extremely poor 0

Assessment Sydney PM2.5 (24-hour average)
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that air quality is good, and air pollution poses little or no risk, but the situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that air quality was very good, and air pollution posed little or no risk, but the situation was deteriorating.

Average percentage frequency distribution: very good 50; good 44; fair 5; poor 2; very poor <1; extremely poor <1

Assessment Pressures affecting ambient air quality
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that pressures are high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation is stable.
Adequate confidence

Most of the pressures on our air quality could have a high impact; however, many sources of air pollution, including motor vehicles, other engines and wood heaters, are stable. The 2 most concerning and increasing pressures are climate change (which is producing more dust and higher ozone levels through increased chemical reactions), and prescribed burning and bushfires (which are increasing in frequency and intensity).
Related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal targets 11.6, 12.4

Legend
How was this assessment made
For more information, go toIndustry
Assessment Climate change
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that pressures are high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were low, meaning they minimally degrade state of the environment, over a small extent and/or with low severity. The situation was stable.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were low, meaning they minimally degrade state of the environment, over a small extent and/or with low severity. The situation was deteriorating.

Australia is seeing more extreme events. Rising temperatures, and more frequent heatwaves and droughts lead to more windblown dust and bushfire smoke, and increased chemical reaction rates in the atmosphere (e.g. more ozone).

Assessment Prescribed burning and bushfires
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that pressures are very high, meaning they strongly degrade the state of the environment, over a large extent and with a high degree of severity. The situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation was stable.

Smoke is a major air pollutant, and most often the cause of exceedances of the air quality standards.

Assessment Motor vehicles
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that pressures are high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation was improving.

Increasing vehicle numbers and city congestion lead to poor air quality, particularly at commuting times. Tyre and brake dust are a major source of pollution.

Assessment Other engines
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that pressures are low, meaning they minimally degrade state of the environment, over a small extent and/or with low severity. The situation is stable.
Somewhat adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were low, meaning they minimally degrade state of the environment, over a small extent and/or with low severity. The situation was stable.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were low, meaning they minimally degrade state of the environment, over a small extent and/or with low severity. The situation was stable.

Garden power tools and small marine motors are high emitters of volatile organic compounds relative to their size.

Assessment Urban footprint
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that pressures are high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation was improving.

Australia’s increasing population puts pressure on air quality through additional vehicles, heating and amenities. More than 90% of Australians live in cities.

Assessment Encroachment of urban development into rural fringe
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that pressures are high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation was improving.

Cities are growing outwards into greenbelt areas, and increasing the network of busy roads. This increases the spatial extent of emissions.

Assessment Domestic wood heaters
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that pressures are high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation was improving.

Smoke from domestic wood heaters during winter continues to cause air quality issues in many areas.

Assessment Industry adjacent to regional populations
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that pressures are high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were high, meaning they moderately degrade the state of the environment, over a moderate extent and/or with moderate severity. The situation was improving.

The development or expansion of heavy industry into rural settings affects local air quality. There has also been an increase in the accidental release of pollutants from industrial facilities.

Assessment Industrial point sources
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that pressures are low, meaning they minimally degrade state of the environment, over a small extent and/or with low severity. The situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were low, meaning they minimally degrade state of the environment, over a small extent and/or with low severity. The situation was stable.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were low, meaning they minimally degrade state of the environment, over a small extent and/or with low severity. The situation was stable.

Point-source pollution is mitigated via regulations, but there are legacy issues with old equipment. Some toxic pollutant emissions are increasing.

Assessment Nonregulated diesel engines
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that pressures are low, meaning they minimally degrade state of the environment, over a small extent and/or with low severity. The situation is stable.
Somewhat adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that pressures were low, meaning they minimally degrade state of the environment, over a small extent and/or with low severity. The situation was stable.

The level of emissions from these unregulated diesel engines (nonroad industrial vehicles such as earth movers) is unknown.

Assessment Effectiveness of management for air quality
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that management is partially effective, meaning that management measures have limited impact on maintaining or improving the state of the environment. The situation is stable.
Adequate confidence

Although management of the pressures on our air quality is generally stable, it is only partially effective in many cases. Control of motor vehicle and other engine emissions, for example, is only partially effective. However, management and control of industry sources for pollution are very effective.
Related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal targets 11.6, 12.4

Legend
How was this assessment made
For more information, go toResearch and new technologies
Assessment Prescribed burning and bushfires
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that management is effective, meaning that management measures maintain or improve the state of the environment, but pressures remain as significant factors that degrade environment values. The situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that management was effective, meaning that management measures maintained or improved the state of the environment, but pressures remained as significant factors that degraded environment values. The situation was improving.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that management was partially effective, meaning that management measures had limited impact on maintaining or improving the state of the environment. The situation was improving.

Prescribed burns reduce fuel loads for potential wildfires. However, any fire produces smoke, which is bad for human health. New forecasting tools are available to predict the smoke impacts on communities, which leads to improved health messaging and better health outcomes. Adopting cultural burning practices may produce less air pollution per prescribed burn, but we need more measurements.

Assessment Motor vehicles
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that management is partially effective, meaning that management measures have limited impact on maintaining or improving the state of the environment. The situation is deteriorating.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that management was effective, meaning that management measures maintained or improved the state of the environment, but pressures remained as significant factors that degraded environment values. The situation was stable.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that management was effective, meaning that management measures maintained or improved the state of the environment, but pressures remained as significant factors that degraded environment values. The situation was improving.

New Fuel Quality Standards Regulations were introduced in 2019. The standards ensure a nationally consistent fuel quality and aim to reduce the amount of sulfur and volatile organic compounds in petrol. However, adoption of the Euro 6 vehicle standards that would improve engine efficiency and reduce fine particle emissions is still being investigated.

Assessment Domestic wood heaters
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that management is partially effective, meaning that management measures have limited impact on maintaining or improving the state of the environment. The situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that management was partially effective, meaning that management measures had limited impact on maintaining or improving the state of the environment. The situation was stable.

New national regulations were introduced in 2019 that reduce the amount of smoke produced per kilogram of fuel burned for new appliances. However, many older appliances are being operated that cause a heavy localised smoke burden. Banning wood heaters in urban areas is recommended to improve air quality, but pockets of resistance are preventing this.

Assessment Commercial and other domestic services
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that management is effective, meaning that management measures maintain or improve the state of the environment, but pressures remain as significant factors that degrade environment values. The situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that management was effective, meaning that management measures maintained or improved the state of the environment, but pressures remained as significant factors that degraded environment values. The situation was stable.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that management was effective, meaning that management measures maintained or improved the state of the environment, but pressures remained as significant factors that degraded environment values. The situation was stable.

The 2017 product emissions standards drawn up by the Australian Government aim to control emissions for new nonroad spark-ignition engines used in gardening equipment (e.g. lawnmowers and leaf blowers) and recreational boating.

Assessment Industrial point sources
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that management is very effective, meaning that management measures maintain or improve the state of environment and secure it against known pressures. The situation is stable.
Adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that management was very effective, meaning that management measures maintained or improved the state of environment and secured it against known pressures. The situation was stable.
2011
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that management was very effective, meaning that management measures maintained or improved the state of environment and secured it against known pressures. The situation was improving.

Jurisdictions have well-established plans, policies, legislation and regulatory systems to monitor and control these sources. Although this holds Australia’s biggest industries accountable, introduction of some emissions reduction technologies has been delayed.

Assessment Nonregulated diesel engines
2021
2021 Assessment graphic showing that management is partially effective, meaning that management measures have limited impact on maintaining or improving the state of the environment. The situation is stable.
Somewhat adequate confidence
2016
Assessment graphic from 2011 or 2016 showing that management was partially effective, meaning that management measures had limited impact on maintaining or improving the state of the environment. The trend was unclear.

The approach of the New South Wales diesel and marine emissions management strategy is being adopted nationally. New engines should use a lower-sulfur-content fuel and be subject to stricter vehicle maintenance.