GUILDFORD resident Alison Polich brought to council a motion during the Swan meeting of electors to investigate black residue which she says concerns residents living under flight paths.

Ms Polich said that her motion was for the City of Swan to investigate the nature and source of the black residue reported by residents in Guildford, particularly those living under the flight path.

“The city (should engage) with relevant environmental and aviation authorities, including the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and the Perth Airport Authority, to determine whether aircraft emissions, industrial activity, or other sources are contributing to the residue,” she said.

“City of Swan are then to report the findings back to council and community, along with any recommended actions to mitigate potential health or environment impacts.

“Residents in Guildford have raised concerns about this residue without anything happening and I feel in view of the childcare centre that has got the go ahead in Fauntroy Street, parents placing their children in that childcare centre should be aware of pollutants, whatever they are, and decide whether they want to take the risk for their young children.

“I urge council to support this motion and to address the concerns and not leave it for someone else like the Perth airport authority who don’t seem to be interested.”

During the meeting, Chris Davis of Woodbridge spoke against the motion citing a bigger problem with airplane emissions which required more urgent attention.

“About seven years ago I did extensive testing throughout the Perth metropolitan area concerning nano carbon particles,” he said.

“There are the emissions from planes, the turbine burning of kerosene, and they’re in the range of 22 to 27 nanometers, which is half the size of diesel emissions, which are 55 to 60 nanometers.

“The ash that you’re talking about is much bigger, and that isn’t the issue – it really is the 22  because these are all respirable and enter tissue.”

Ms Polich replied to Mr Davis’ objection and said she simply wanted some more attention on the matter of the black ash.

“I’ve been in Guildford for 25 years, and when I started, I wasn’t wiping black stuff off my washing line, my outdoor equipment,” she said.

“I am now and I’d like to know what it is.”

The motion was passed 27 to one.

The City of Swan said that although city staff had not previously received any reports of this issue, staff would contact Ms Polich and arrange for a sample to be taken from her property for analysis.

“The results will be analysed, shared and appropriate actions identified,” they said.

“This will include liaison with DWER who is the lead authority to investigate pollution concerns related to large scale industrial activities and Perth Airport operations.

“Council to note the action being undertaken on this matter.”