Protecting people from coal pollution

The communities that have powered our homes, schools and offices for decades deserve a future free from the health and environment impacts of toxic coal pollution.

But coal-fired power stations are one of the biggest sources of air pollution in Australia.

That's why we partner with frontline communities to fight for clean air and swimmable rivers.

Dirty air is an invisible killer endangering our communities.

Each year in Australia, toxic air pollution from coal-burning power stations kills nearly 800 people and worsens conditions such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.

Power stations pump out high levels of mercury, PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution and sulfur dioxide.

Communities who live near coal-fired power stations have an enormous health burden from pollution and are often left in the dark about the threats to their health.

Communities with low incomes and insecure work, elderly people, people with chronic diseases, pregnant people and young children are all disproportionately impacted.

What we're doing

Improving our air quality laws

Coal-fired power stations in Australia are permitted to pollute far more than other countries allow. Harmful impacts can occur from exposure at levels even below our existing air quality standards.

We're working with communities to strengthen our air pollution laws and standards so we can all breathe easier.

Cleaning up toxic coal ash for good

Coal ash is what's left behind when power stations burn coal. It's a toxic cocktail of carcinogens, neurotoxins and hazardous pollutants that leaches into groundwater and spreads in poisonous dust clouds.

We're partnering with communities to investigate, expose and challenge poorly managed coal ash waste – and protect people from long-term threats and irreparable harm.

Clear lungs and skies from coal pollution

Coal mining has as many negative impacts for communities and the environment as burning it for energy.

With local communities, we are challenging plans to expand and prolong coal mine operations – preventing serious risks to our lungs and hearts, the air we breathe and the rivers we swim in.

The latest

Dead fish, licence breaches and pollution in Lake Macquarie

A decade on from the Hazelwood mine fire

Call for stronger protections against coal ash pollution in the Latrobe Valley – Submission guide

Uncovering toxic coal pollution from Vales Point Power Station

Victoria's coal-fired power stations

Brown coal-fired power stations in the Latrobe Valley are the single largest source of Victoria’s air pollution and are among the worst polluting power stations in the world.

Coal-fired power stations in New South Wales

The NSW Government needs to back renewables and commit to closing the state's four coal-fired power plants on time. The Hunter Valley and Lithgow communities have so many assets beyond coal, and the government should be focused on supporting jobs that have a strong future.