Northern Beaches Council, in collaboration with Western Sydney University, has completed the most detailed microclimate and urban heat mapping of Brookvale ever and the findings are hot.
The study revealed that the diverse land uses and varying levels of tree canopy coverage in Brookvale create stark temperature differences of nearly 5°C across the suburb.
The absolute highest temperature recorded was 43.7°C at Mitchell Road on 28 January 2025, while Dale Street was identified as one of the hottest streets with a mean air temperature of 23.9°C - almost 1.5°C warmer than the coolest spot on Clearview Place.
Cooler locations were found in the very north-western part of the precinct, just to the east of the extensive vegetation within Allenby Park, where tree canopy cover was higher even within the built environment.
As expected, the study revealed that the Brookvale’s industrial areas with their minimal greenery tend to experience more intense and prolonged heat, underscoring the urban heat island effect. However, where areas with higher tree canopy cover and vegetation benefit from cooler daytime temperatures, the study also revealed that dense canopies can trap heat at night, acting like a thermal blanket.
Northern Beaches Council Mayor Sue Heins said, "This study provides invaluable insights into the microclimate of Brookvale and highlights the importance of the urban tree canopy and green spaces.
"The identification of hot spots and cooler locations within Brookvale allows us to strategically plan our greening efforts.
"These findings support the Brookvale Structure Plan - Greening Strategy to transform our public spaces using evidence-based data. Through incorporating more shade, vegetation, and water elements, we aim to create a more comfortable and inviting environment for everyone." Mayor Heins said.
This joint initiative is part of Council’s ongoing efforts to combat the urban heat island effect in Brookvale. Subject to further grant funding opportunities, additional temperature monitoring to track the effectiveness of these heat mitigation strategies can occur over time.
This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Housing Support Scheme Grant.
Background
The Heat Logger project involved recording near-surface air temperatures at 30 locations across Brookvale from 1 December 2024 to 15 February 2025
The study found that cool air masses can travel unobstructed from the sea at North Curl Curl Beach, up the Curl Curl Lagoon and along Greendale Creek for 2 km inland without being warmed by grey infrastructure.
Streets with more tree canopy and vegetation were cooler during the day; however, dense canopies could retain heat at night like a thermal blanket. Industrial areas with limited greenery experienced higher and more persistent heat, highlighting the urban heat island effect.
Brookvale has one of the lowest tree canopy coverages (21%) in the local government area, and experiences high urban heat (over 9°C above reference temperature). Much of the industrial and mixed-use areas have less than 10% tree cover.
The Brookvale Structure Plan - Greening Strategy builds on the work identified in the Northern Beaches Tree Canopy Plan by providing scientific, evidence-based data to inform planning controls to increase urban tree canopy in targeted locations along streets, public open spaces, and as part of new buildings, while maintaining suitable access for vehicles within the industrial precincts. When redesigning public spaces and the new town square, more shade, vegetation, impervious surfaces, and water elements will be prioritised.
Western Sydney University Heat logger project: Sebastian Pfautsch, s.pfautsch@westernsydney.edu.au