Page 328 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 9 February 2021
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That the Assembly take note of the following paper:
Smoke and Air Quality—Response to resolution of the Assembly of 13 February 2020, dated February 2021.
MS VASSAROTTI (Kurrajong—Minister for the Environment, Minister for Heritage, Minister for Homelessness and Housing Services and Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction) (3.01): I am pleased to note progress on this important issue. On 13 February 2020 my colleague Mr Shane Rattenbury MLA moved a motion in the Legislative Assembly calling on the government to create a whole-of-government strategy on smoke and air quality in the ACT, to be completed and released before the beginning of the 2020-21 fire season.
Granted, since that time there has been some significant development, such as a public health emergency declared in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, which has impacted on progress. This aside, the black summer of 2019-20 has highlighted a number of opportunities for futureproofing our city and ensuring long-term air quality in the face of climate change.
Air quality is a clear indicator of the health of the environment and it also directly impacts on our health. Of the 91 days in the 2019-20 summer, 56 exceeded national standards of pollution levels and 42 of those days had periods above hazardous health rating.
Young children, the elderly, those with pre-existing conditions and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution. People living under socio-economic stress are also vulnerable as they are more likely to have leaky houses that provide little protection from smoke and less access to air purifiers and air conditioners.
In September 2020 the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment conducted a survey to identify the ways in which Black Summer affected people’s mental and physical health. Over 1,500 Canberrans responded, and I will now read through some of the alarming results: 68 per cent of respondents had difficulty breathing; 30 per cent of respondents suffered from vision difficulties; 82 per cent of respondents experienced skin or throat irritations or headaches over the 2019-20 summer; and 53 per cent of respondents with a history of mental illness experienced a worsening of symptoms due to the bushfires.
On top of the physical and mental health impacts, there were also large economic impacts. As detailed in the report by the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, tourism businesses in Canberra reported a 20 per cent cancellation rate. Many businesses, tourist attractions and universities were closed. These included the National Zoo and Aquarium, Questacon, swimming pools, and some civic services. Australia Post was also unable to complete deliveries due to safety concerns for the workers.
While I am pleased to note the progress towards a whole-of-government strategy on smoke and air quality in the ACT, we need to strengthen our focus. Our health relies on it.
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