National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure
The primary sources of air pollutants in Queensland are transport and industrial activities, although rural and domestic activities are also sources. Bushfires and hazard-reduction burning activities can also result in poor air quality.
The National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure (Ambient Air Quality NEPM) establishes national protection goals for:
- sulfur dioxide
- nitrogen dioxide
- ozone
- carbon monoxide
- particles
- lead.
The Ambient Air Quality NEPM standards for ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide were amended in May 2021 to reflect the latest scientific understanding of the health risks associated with these pollutants.
Australian Design Rules (ADRs), under the Commonwealth’s Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, set emission standards for new vehicles. Ongoing tightening of ADRs over the past 25 years has resulted in significant reductions in emissions of lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particles.
The Commonwealth’s Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 sets national quality standards for various fuel quality properties to reduce emissions or improve engine performance. Reductions in aromatic hydrocarbons and sulfur in petrol from December 2025 will enable Australia to adopt Euro 6d noxious emissions standards for new light vehicles.
