It’s Time to Tackle Western Sydney’s Hot Issue

As Western Sydney braces for the hottest Spring days on record, leading advocacy group the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue is calling for action to tackle Western Sydney’s crippling hot issue. 

With a severe heatwave warning in place, Dialogue CEO has renewed calls to make the popular Penrith ‘Pondi’ Beach permanent. 

“Last summer, locals got a small taste of the potential of Penrith Beach, which attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors. Today, as Penrith is set to swelter, locals cannot access the waterway. 

“Let’s make Pondi permanent and look to transform the former 2000ha quarry into a recreational destination for generations of Western Sydney residents to enjoy,” Mr Leto said. 

“Heat kills more people in Australia than any other natural disaster, and Western Sydney is hit hardest by the severe impacts of extreme heat.  

“It’s time to tackle this hot issue that severely impacts Western Sydney. There are a number of steps local and state governments can take to ensure more people don’t become victims of Western Sydney’s silent killer.” 

Recommendations outlined by the advocacy group in its recently released Heat & Health in Greater Western Sydney Discussion Paper include: 

• Climate-appropriate bus shelters – the Dialogue recommends Transport for NSW ensure Climate Adaptive People Shelters are installed at bus stops alongside newly built state roads or those undergoing a major upgrade.   

• Bus service improvement – As recommended to the NSW Parliament Inquiry on Current and Future Public Transport Needs in Western Sydney, the Dialogue urges bus services address gaps in public transport access for the North West and South West growth areas. This should include re-designing existing bus networks and funding for contract operators to urgently deliver expanded services and new routes. 

• Targets and funding for urban greening – Set a 30% tree canopy cover target for GWS as part of the NSW Government’s 2024-25 Budget Wellbeing Priorities 

• Work with local governments and stakeholders to establish an equitable, long-term funding stream for greening projects.  

“We’ll continue to work with local health authorities to set actionable goals that involve the community and contribute to the work addressing this dangerous hot issue,” Mr Leto said.