The Heat Vulnerability Project is working in collaboration with the Department of Communities and the Department of Health to better understand and address high heat across Western Australia. The National Disaster Risk Reduction (NDRR) funded Heat Vulnerability Project will map high heat risk regions against heat-vulnerable populations across WA. This project works closely with local government and community organisations across pilot sites to ensure the development of heat interventions are what community want and need. The project evaluation report will provide recommendations to prevent unnecessary heatwave deaths and health implications across WA that can also be applied by other jurisdictions.
The City of Rockingham (Whadjuk and Pinjareb Nyoongar Country), The Town of Bridgetown/Greenbushes (Wardandi and Pibulmen Nyoongar Country) and The Town of Port Hedland (Kariyarra Country) are the three pilot sites.
For more info, check this page out:
https://www.wacoss.org.au/heat-vulnerability-project/
Project at Port Hedland – Kariyarra Country:
Port Hedland, known as Marapikurrinya on Kariyarra Country, is the second largest town in the Pilbara. The Pilbara area experiences warm weather year-round, with particularly extreme conditions during most of the summer and temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees even in winter. The team has engaged with Aboriginal corporations, services, and community organisations, and prioritises The Kariyarra people’s involvement. The local government is also engaged and exploring interventions including water fountains, community education for children, community tree planting days, etc.
More info at: WACOSS Heat Vulnerability Project https://www.wacoss.org.au/heat-vulnerability-project/
Project at Bridgetown/Greenbushes – Pibulmen and Wardandni Nyoongar Country:
The Shire of Bridgetown–Greenbushes, sits on Wardandi and Pibulmen Noongar Country is situated approximately 260 kilometres south of Perth. It has a population of approximately 5,300 with the majority of the community based in Bridgetown. This Shire has an ageing population with many rural farming families. Community organisations are strongly engaged and are helping pilot several of the interventions. This Shire is considering implementing interventions including heatwave warnings, cool spaces, and water fountains.
More info at: WACOSS Heat Vulnerability Project https://www.wacoss.org.au/heat-vulnerability-project/
Project at Rockingham – Whadjuk and Pinjareb Nyoongar Country:
The City of Rockingham has worked intently with WACOSS to ensure that interventions are practical and required by Rockingham residents.
One of the pilot sites is Rockingham, which sits on Whadjuk and Pinjareb Noongar Country. The city is an urban hub with a highly transient population. Heat Vulnerability Project team are engaged with community services and Aboriginal organisations in the Rockingham area. They also meet regularly with representatives from the local government, which allows for engagement through the design and implementation of these heat interventions.
The city is exploring interventions including subsidy scheme for cooling items, transportation to cool spaces, places to cool off, and training on ways to keep cool.
More info at: WACOSS Heat Vulnerability Project https://www.wacoss.org.au/heat-vulnerability-project/