The Victorian Government has announced a $5 million grants fund to assist the state’s councils to seal local roads to help reduce dust pollution.
It’s part of a $20 million package aimed at improving air quality in Melbourne’s inner western suburbs through road sealing and the modernisation of truck fleets.
“We promised we’d make air cleaner in Melbourne’s inner west and that’s what we’re doing: replacing emissions-heavy old trucks and sealing roads to reduce dust pollution,” said Minister for Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne.
Melbourne’s inner west experiences significantly higher volumes of heavy vehicle traffic than other parts of Melbourne due to its high concentration of industrial uses, including empty container parks, and its proximity to the Port of Melbourne.
The Government is working with community and industry to reduce the environmental impact of heavy vehicles, while making roads safer for pedestrians by lowering speed limits and banning trucks on some roads.
“Through this important package and the implementation of our Air Quality Strategy, we’re taking action to improve air quality and tackle pollution in the west,” said Minister for Environment, Ingrid Stitt.