SEQ strategy
The South East Regional Air Quality Strategy (SEQRAQS) was launched on 12 December, 1999. The aim of SEQRAQS is to improve air quality in south-east Queensland in order to protect the health and well-being of present and future residents, and to preserve the region's ecological integrity and amenity. The SEQRAQS Implementation Group steers the progress of the strategy.
The group is comprised of industry, academic and conservation groups and local and state government department representatives. The strategy focuses on implementing actions aimed at improving air quality in south-east Queensland.
Reducing vehicle emissions through fuel changes
The South East Queensland Regional Air Quality Strategy notes that in addition to changing vehicle design, emissions can be greatly reduced by reformulating fuel types or substituting other types. On hot days, the pollutants created by petrol vapour evaporating into the atmosphere contribute significantly to smog development.
The department signed an agreement with the oil industry in December 1999 to progressively reduce the vapour pressure of petrol sold in SEQ during summer for the following five years. Lowering the vapour pressure of petrol will have no effect on the performance of motor vehicles, but will reduce emissions of smog-forming compounds by about 3000 tonnes per year. Reductions in vapour pressure in petrol have now been incorporated into the Environmental Protection Regulation 1998, along with the addition of other fuel quality standards for petrol and diesel.
Last updated: 22 November 2006