Creating a walking climate

Action 1.15, Action Plan for Walking 2022–2024

Department/Agency: Department of Energy and Climate

Status: Complete

Provide long-term micro-climate heatwave and thermal comfort projections, developed through the Heat, Health and Human Environment pilot project, to stakeholders such as local governments to identify and design walkable communities.

Overview

The Department of Energy and Climate (formerly, the Department of Environment and Science) created an urban heat mapping tool. It shows projected local urban temperatures and thermal comfort. The tool includes projections for 2030, 2050, 2070, and 2090 for 136 urban areas across 27 Queensland local councils. It aims to inform planning and design of walkable communities and places.

Achievements

Energy balances in urban areas have been altered by:

• planning and design of urban settlements
• conversion of vegetated surfaces to hard surfaces with higher heat storage capacity
• surfaces with lower albedos (heat reflectivity)
• reduction of available water
• waste heat from buildings and transport
• reduced shading and reduced canopy cover.

Many urban areas and their populations are left vulnerable to extreme heat and heatwaves. It has raised the threat to our communities' liveability and walkability.

The Department of Energy and Climate researched urban heat under climate conditions. This research supports informed decisions and proactive planning. It applies to the design of buildings, streets, and neighbourhoods in local government areas.

The department created a heat mapping tool to study local factors. It aims to understand community vulnerability to heat from climate change.

The research informing the tool focused on the State Heatwave Risk Assessment regions:

• eastern Gulf of Carpentaria
• Etheridge
• Mount Isa
• Longreach
• Maranoa
• Wet Tropics Coast
• Mackay
• Central Highlands
• Gold Coast
• Ipswich.

With urban heat is a key policy and planning issue for governments. The tool can be used to improve design and conditions for walkability.

More information

The tool is available for use by:

• local government professionals responsible for land use planning, development, building design and street design
• local and state government stakeholders in disaster management, urban planning and design, human health, community wellbeing, housing policy, and occupational health and safety.