Experts say their is no national guidelines for safe levels of particulate matter 2.5s.

This has been the reason the state government initially indicated it would not measure the 2.5s.

Now it has decided to measure them in the knowledge that the guidelines could be forthcoming within the next couple of years.

This is another breakthrough.

The monitors do not monitor what is in the air, they only monitor dust.

This has been community concern and the Singleton Shire Healthy Environment Group has been pushing to see the system expanded to measure, not only the amount of dust, but what is in the dust.

Public Health Officer Kerry Chant agreed that it was important that residents knew what was in the dust when she was in Singleton earlier this year.

The amount of equipment in the monitoring sheds is minimal and there is room to expand the system. Additional space was allowed for in the original design.

There is also news that the coal mining best practice document will be released soon. This is a document that hopefully will outline acceptable and unacceptable mining practices.

For the first time there seems to be a collaboration between government agencies, industry and the community.

Conversation between the three groups is a little more open these days. There is recognised diverse opinion on the issues but a common understanding that things can be done a whole lot better than what has occurred in the past.

It is about listening to the concerns, explaining the issues, identifying the facts and looking at new strategies to mitigate the impacts.

Yes, switching on the air network is an important first step but it is just that. We have a whole flight of stairs to get on top of yet.

What is interesting to mention is Minister for Environment Frank Sartor’s prediction.

He told The Singleton Argus that he anticipated a reduction in dust by 25 per cent.

It is his belief that mine operations will keep an eye on the levels. If they are up they’ll react.