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 other areas of major capital cities, this is one of the most important issues they face.
That’s why the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has developed a new online resource called Cooler Places. Designed to help planners, developers, councils and community groups address these ‘hot spots’, Cooler Places is a practical toolkit for designing cooler, greener and more liveable urban spaces.
Why Cooler Places was created
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.
What the resource is all about
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.
Some of the key cooling strategies it highlights include:
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 urban greening is critical
At Planet Ark, we know that increasing urban greenery is one of the most effective ways to tackle urban heat while also improving biodiversity, community health and wellbeing, and liveability. National Tree Day was initiated way back in 1996 as a means of promoting both urban and regional greening, and since then over 28 million trees have been planted through the program across Australia.
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.
How you can help
Whether you’re a resident advocating for more street trees, a school greening your playground, or a planner shaping the next urban development, resources like Cooler Places—and community action through programs like National Tree Day—both play vital roles in tackling urban heat.
To explore the Cooler Places resource, visit the Department’s website. And of course, to play your part in greening your community, get involved in this year’s National Tree Day! You can volunteer at a site near you or host a planting of your own.