Co-design is a collaborative process in which community members share the decision making on issues that will directly affect them.

For EPA’s co-design process, the community and EPA had an equal say about the future air monitoring network in the Latrobe Valley.

We are committed to finding a collaborative solution to the future of air monitoring in the Latrobe Valley because we value the community’s involvement, knowledge and concerns. EPA’s co-design approach also aligns with the government’s commitment to work in partnership with the community to design programs and initiatives that deliver real and long-lasting change.

EPA acknowledges that members of the community have fought hard to have their concerns responded to in the past. Therefore, we are ensuring that the community’s input is at the core of future decision making about the air monitoring network in the region.

Panel members designed a new air quality monitoring network for the Latrobe Valley, to ensure the future air monitoring network delivers the best representation of air quality in your community.

Supported by air monitoring experts and EPA staff members, the panel learned about and discussed air quality monitoring and then designed a new air monitoring network for the Latrobe Valley.

There were some restrictions on what the model could look like.

There is a set budget to buy and operate equipment and there are some national standards that EPA must meet in reporting air quality. Any ‘must-have’ elements were explained at the start of the panel process.

The first panel meeting focused on the exchange of information between EPA, panel members and other agencies on the topic of air quality and air monitoring.

The second and third meetings were spent looking at the various locations, options and costs involved in different types of air monitoring.

Supported by experts, the panel used maps and coloured play dough to create a number of different models of air monitoring networks.

The panel then decided on its preferred future air monitoring model for the Latrobe Valley.

The co-design process

We are committed to implementing the co-design panel’s preferred air monitoring network. This may require further consultation with the community to work through aspects of the preferred model as it is rolled out by EPA.

We anticipate that the new air monitoring network in the Latrobe Valley will be implemented during 2017 and 2018.

• For up-to-date air quality information in the Latrobe Valley, visit EPA AirWatch.
• Learn more about air quality in the Latrobe Valley by reading our answers (publication 1623) to some of the community’s most frequently asked questions about air quality, air pollution and monitoring in the Latrobe Valley.
• How EPA monitors Victoria's air
• How EPA monitors Victoria's air (publication 1631)