NSW Office of Environment and Heritage atmospheric science director Matt Riley said in a statement the station would bring the number of stations in the network to 47 and guide policymakers on improving public health.

“We expect wood smoke will impact air quality readings in Orange during winter and this station will provide residents with easily-accessible data on pollution levels so they are able to make better decision on how to manage potential health impacts,” he said.

Mr Riley said elsewhere, stations were used to monitor pollution from industry and transport in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Until the state became drought affected, the state’s overall air quality for the last 15-20 years had been improving with decreased levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and PM10 particles,” he said.

Detailed regional air quality data is available on the OEH website and is updated hourly.

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