"Phase 1 of the Smart & Cool Places pilot project, which assesses the vulnerability of towns and cities to extreme heat while exploring strategies to cool neighbourhoods, has been a highly successful project. This initiative marks a significant step forward in using environmental heat sensors to gather crucial data and formulate plans to address various heat-related challenges in local communities.

The standardised approach adopted by the project will facilitate foundational elements of a National Urban Heat Vulnerability Index to be scaled to other cities and towns in NSW and ultimately achieve the long-term goal of having a national heat vulnerability observatory that will be rolled out across Australia.

We are proud to have been part of the team that made this project possible."

Matthew Riley

Director Climate and Atmospheric Science

Science, Economics & Insights | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Dubbo Regional Council is working with the University of NSW and Maitland City Council as part of the Smart and Cool Places project which measures temperatures over a 12 month period and simulates tests on how different urban development approaches can impact heat.

The project aims to investigate how better to handle urban overheating, and establish standard methods for reporting and measuring overheating locally. The project is in the early stages, and it is hopeful that this trial is successful and will be scaled for larger scenarios.

By establishing consistent methods for reporting and measuring urban heat, it is hopeful the project will enable collaboration between stakeholders, and support evidence-based decisions for specific locations.

More information about the project can be found:

• here on the NSW Government website
• here on the University of NSW website

This project is one way Council is looking to meet it's obligations under the following sections of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework:

• Towards 2040 Community Strategic Plan: Objective 6.2 - We recognise, plan for and respond to the impacts of climate change
• 2023/2024 Delivery Program and Operational Plan: Action 6.1.4.1 - Investigate mechanisms and smart technologies to reduce the urban heat effect

Data collection through drones

In order to collect data, the University of NSW will be flying drones over parts of Southlakes and South Dubbo from 10 to 12 November, 2023. The project areas are identified in the map below.

The drones will be operated between the hours of 12pm and 4pm, at a height you will not hear the drone passing your house. The drones will measure temperatures through infrared imagining, and will not capture traditional videography like other drones. This will ensure the privacy of our community is maintained.

Data collection through sensors

Temperature sensors will be installed on street signs within the project areas in November/December 2023. These sensors will remain in place for approximately 1 year.