Issue - decisions

Moved by Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Maxwell, seconded by Councillor Arkins –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         the City of Sydney has 76 BBQs in 32 of its parks that are regularly used by residents, community groups, and visitors. Most of the BBQs are either covered, or have nearby tables and seating shaded by fixed structures or tree canopy;

(ii)        the City has playgrounds in 100 of its parks. Most of the play areas have some shading cast by sails, umbrellas, fixed structures or nearby buildings or tree canopy;

(iii)      however, some playground and BBQ areas are not covered or shaded, making them vulnerable to both unforecast rain and extreme heat, particularly during summer;

(iv)      uncovered BBQs and seating areas are more likely to degrade over time due to exposure to sun and rain, and may also contribute to localised heat through surrounding hard concrete surfaces; Community members have raised concerns that some City playgrounds are also in need of sun and weather protection;

(v)       according to recent research by Western Sydney University on mapping the City of Sydney’s micro-climates:

(a)       “air temperatures differ significantly across the city. During hot (35°C+) and extreme heat (40°C+) days, temperature differences from north to south can exceed 10°C”; and

(b)       recommended actions include: “increase effective cooling measures through direct actions such as more shade,” and “reduce surface heat with more shade, reflective materials and by reducing hard surfaces”;

(vi)      the City’s Adapting for Climate Change strategy projects the number of extreme heat days (over 35°C) to rise from an average of 3.7 days per year currently, to 5.8 by 2030, and 15 by 2070. The strategy notes: “by increasing shade and reducing hard surfaces that absorb the sun’s warmth, we actively reduce the heat held in the city, known as the ‘urban heat island effect”;

(vii)     the City uses tree canopy and other greening to shade and cool our buildings, streets, footpaths and parks in line with our Greening Sydney Strategy; and

(viii)    the City carries out shade modelling as part of our playground designs and considers installing shade structures as part of playground renewal projects if inadequate natural shade is provided by existing tree canopy or adjacent buildings; and

(B)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         explore options to improve shade or rain protection over BBQs with seating areas and playgrounds in our new park designs and renewals;

(ii)        review and recommend updates to park design processes and policies to ensure that future upgrades and new parks include adequate sun and rain protection, especially at high-use or paved areas such as BBQs with seating and playgrounds; and

(iii)      report back to Council through the CEO Update on:

(a)       the number of parks with playgrounds and BBQs with seating areas, and how many currently have fully rain and sun proof coverings; and

(b)       proposals for potential upgrades to improve coverage and comfort for park users.

Carried unanimously.

X113762