In March 2015, a letter sent by former NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Acting Chair Mark Gifford indicated the government would “progressively establish” an air quality monitoring networking and “foreshadowed” it would be modelled of the Hunter Valley system.

“That is, the network would be funded by industry via a levy, and established and maintained by the Office and Environment and Heritage,” Mr Gifford said.

The Leader asked the EPA what progress had been made on the levy since Mr Gifford letter was sent 18 months ago.

While the organisation did not directly answer the question, it is "continuing its investigations into an air quality monitoring network for the New England North West region in close consultation with local residents and industries”.

“It is crucial that any proposal is based on sound science, is cost effective and achieves the best environmental outcomes for both the community and industry,” an EPA spokeswoman said.

Maules Creek farmer Libby Laird said there was “no question” who should pay for independent monitoring.

"There shouldn't be any argy bargy over who pays for it, it should be the person who makes the mess," Ms Laird said.

"If you remove a forest, it's going to be dusty, if you dig a big hole in the ground, it's going to be very dusty.”