Research is underway to find out why seasonal high levels of air pollution have been recorded at Wagga Wagga during recent years.

The research will be undertaken by a new collaboration between the EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (an alliance between Industry & Investment NSW and Charles Sturt University) and the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.

Graham Centre Director Professor Deirdre Lemerle said the sources of the air pollution were unclear. 

"A number of possible causes have been suggested including bushfires, seasonal domestic wood burning, burning of crop stubble and dust from degraded pastures," she said.

"Poor air quality affects everyones health, especially the young and old, so there is a great need to find out the exact causes of this pollution."

Professor Lemerle said the recent appointment of Lauren Bartosh, as the new  Department of Environment, Climate Change and Waters Air Policy and Program Officer based at Wagga Wagga, would underpin the collaboration between key stakeholders.

"Ms Bartosh is part of an innovative program that will coordinate new scientific research to determine the sources of pollution.

"We need to have the science to understand and manage the problem", she said. 

Professor Lemerle said a steering committee of stakeholders was being formed to guide the program to improve air quality for the people of the Wagga Wagga region.

Contact Professor Deirdre Lemerle for further information on (02) 6938 1667 deirdre.lemerle@indusrty.nsw.gov.au

Photo available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Sarah Chester on (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669