Singleton GP Dr Tuan Au said there had been a noticeable increase in complaints.

"I've been seeing it mostly among children in the last two weeks," Dr Au said.

This week's strong winds have also fuelled community concern about air quality.

The Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network issued alerts for poor air quality on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A Department of Planning spokeswoman said one dust-related complaint was received on Tuesday regarding Hunter Valley Operations.

"Officers conducted an inspection and observed that the mine had ceased all mining operations with the exception of activity deep in the pit in an area sheltered from the wind," she said.

No further action was taken.

A poor air-quality alert was sent from the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network's Maison Dieu station on Tuesday afternoon. The monitor continued to display the "poor" category until Wednesday afternoon due to the rolling 24-hour average.

"The air-quality monitoring network in the Upper Hunter is being established in response to community concerns and because of a clear need for comprehensive accessible information on air quality in the Upper Hunter," Office of Environment and Heritage chief executive Lisa Corbyn said.

But Camberwell resident Deidre Olofsson said data averaged over a 24-hour period did not paint an accurate picture.

"The network must be used in a manner to protect the communities and ensure the health and safety of neighbours," she said.