Clean Air Community Forum [Recording]
Event recording is available here
When: 22 September 2026, 6PM
Where: Kauri Community and Sports Centre
CAir5049 held a very successful Air Quality Forum on Tuesday, 22nd September attended by representatives of the local community, elected members and relevant state government departments:
- Professor Fay Johnston from the Menzies Institute at the University of Tasmania
- Nigel Cooper, Director of Services and Impact from Asthma Australia
- Andrew Brown and Razia Zariff from SA Health
- Peter Melnyk a Marino resident
- Kristian Mikhel from the University of Tasmania
Professor Johnston emphasised that small changes in air quality can have significant impacts on both physical and mental health; and that actions to improve air quality have very significant economic benefits to society.
Nigel Cooper pointed out that poor air quality asthma can lead to the development of asthma as well as exacerbating asthma symptoms. There are 478 deaths per year in Australia due to asthma; and 386,000 children are asthma sufferers.
Andrew Brown and Razia Zariff spoke about the value of low cost air quality sensors in the community to greatly increase our knowledge of air quality in the community; and provide much needed data to inform government decision-making.
Peter Melnyk re-iterated the frustration of the local community regarding the lack of real-time air quality data, especially related to the dust emissions from the Boral Linwood Quarry.
Kristian Mikhel talked about the work he is doing to support the community group CAir5049, including providing the community with up-to-date air quality information, and the opportunity to share their stories about how poor air quality is affecting them.