With heat responsible for 60 per cent of Australia's natural hazard-related deaths, Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) is taking steps to help the region become heat smart.
WSROC has received $215,000 of State Government funding to deliver a coordinated approach to heatwave preparedness and management in in the region, said WSROC President and Hawkesbury Mayor Barry Calvert.
"The project, called Heat Smart Western Sydney, will bring together local councils, government agencies and community service providers to better coordinate how heatwaves are managed, and improve community resilience to heat," he said.
"Heat is responsible for 60 per cent of Australia's natural hazard related deaths, more deadly than fires, floods or storms combined. Despite this, many people underestimate the dangers of heat.
"Greater Western Sydney is particularly susceptible. We experience more extreme heat than other areas of Sydney, and have greater numbers of vulnerable individuals due to higher levels of chronic disease, an aging population, and pockets of socio-economic disadvantage."
The aim of the program is to improve the region's resilience to heatwaves via a combination of cross-sector collaboration, upskilling front-line staff and community education.
"NSW has a State Heatwave Sub Plan that guides the distribution of emergency heatwave warnings, however there is much more to be done in terms of building community risk-awareness and preparedness, as well as coordinating on-the-ground responses during heat events," Cr Calvert said.
"Heat is often called the 'silent killer' because when the weather heats up we retreat into our air-conditioned homes, leaving vulnerable individuals isolated and at risk.
"For this reason, it is important that everyone has the knowledge and tools to manage their own heat risk, and that those who are able check in with neighbours, friends and relatives during heat events to ensure they are OK.
"We all have a part to play ... [and] together we can build a heat smart western Sydney."
