Climate Change Adaptation

Sponsored by the Office of Energy and Climate Change

Winner Division C, Overall Winner

Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils Ltd: Heat Smart Western Sydney
The Heat Smart Western Sydney project sought to build resilience to current and future heatwaves with a focus on supporting vulnerable communities.

In partnership with councils and the Australian Red Cross, WRSOC implemented an engagement program to provide communities and frontline staff with knowledge and tools to adapt to heat and manage its impacts. Through this engagement program, they also co-designed 25 recommendations for improving heatwave governance, mitigation, adaptation and response. 

READ MORE IN THE CASE STUDY

Highly Commended Division C

Blacktown City Council: Heat Response Plan 
Blacktown City Council designed a network of accessible and safe cool centres to activate during severe heatwaves. The cool centres aim to minimise the ill-health impacts experienced during days of extreme heat, particularly for vulnerable groups.

During the summer of 2021- 2022, the cool centres were successfully trialled in collaboration with local community services, including the Australian Red Cross, Community Access Western Sydney, and Blacktown and Bidwill Uniting Churches. 

Highly Commended Division C

Penrith City Council: Cooling the City - planning for heat
Penrith applied a two-pronged approach to address urban heat mitigation and adaptation in developments. The project focussed on Council planning controls, as well as advocacy to influence changes to the state planning system.

Penrith developed an Urban Heat Controls Package, which included a Planning Proposal with a new provision in the Penrith LEP 2010 and a new Urban Heat Chapter in the Penrith DCP 2014.

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