Creating cooler urban places
As Australian cities continue to grow both in size and population, so do the challenges of effective urban planning. In a country known for our hot (and increasingly so) summers, reducing urban heat islands isn’t just about comfort, it’s about reducing public health risk. For many communities, particularly in Western Sydney and similar areas of other major capital cities, this is one of the most important issues they face.
To help planners, developers, councils and community groups address these ‘hot spots’, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has developed a new online resource called ‘Cooler Places’ - a practical toolkit for designing cooler, greener and more liveable urban spaces.
Urban heat is one of the fastest growing climate risks in Australia. Built-up areas with limited vegetation and lots of ‘grey’ surfaces like concrete and asphalt absorb and trap heat, creating what is known as the urban heat island effect. In parts of Greater Sydney, especially in the west, temperatures can regularly reach six to ten degrees Celsius higher than nearby areas closer to the coast or with greater density of green spaces. Concerningly, current projections suggest these hot days will become even more frequent in coming decades.
In response, the NSW Government has made addressing urban heat a key priority, and resources like Cooler Places are part of a broader effort to help communities adapt and build resilience to heatwaves.
Cooler Places is packed with evidence-based strategies and design solutions that anyone involved in urban planning and design, development, or community greening can use, such as:
- Urban greening: Increasing tree canopy cover, creating green corridors and integrating vegetation into streets and buildings.
- Cool materials: Using light-coloured and reflective materials on roofs, pavements and roads to reduce heat absorption.
- Urban design and layout: Designing streets and spaces that promote airflow, maximise shade and reduce heat build-up.
- Water in the landscape: Incorporating raingardens and swales to reduce surface runoff and retain water in the landscape enhancing its cooling effect, and integrate water features like fountains, misting areas or water play spaces to cool the surrounding air.
The resource also includes real-world case studies, data mapping tools, and guidance documents that help bring these strategies to life.
Why is urban greening so critical?
Trees are often called nature’s air conditioners, and for good reason. The shade created by urban canopy can significantly reduce ground and air temperatures, while their leaves help cool the surrounding area. Research shows that well-placed trees can lower local ambient temperatures by up to ten degrees Celsius on hot days.
But lasting change requires not only getting plants in the ground, but also long-term planning and design at every level—from neighbourhood streetscapes to city-wide infrastructure. Resources like Cooler Places support consideration of the need for shade, greenery and heat mitigation right from the start in new developments and urban renewal projects.
By making this knowledge accessible to councils, developers and the community, Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is empowering more people to take action in creating cooler, greener and healthier cities for everyone.
To explore the Cooler Places resource, visit the Department’s website. Image: Planning NSW