In November we collaborated with Stephen Bali the MP for Blacktown and Assistant Planning Minister to host a briefing for MPs in NSW Parliament on the hot summer ahead. We worked with Doctors for the Environment, the Committee for Sydney and the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) to present information about heat health impacts, and how NSW can lead the way on extreme heat and climate adaptation. Stephen Bali MP has been a leader calling for action on extreme heat in Western Sydney since his time as President of WSROC before being elected as the MP for Blacktown.
Dr Kim Loo, a Western Sydney GP and member of the NSW AMA Council, spoke about how rising temperatures are impacting her patients and the Western Sydney community. Judith Brunisma of WSROC spoke about the Greater Sydney Heat Taskforce and the important work of their cross-sector coalition of member organisations. Estelle Grech of the Committee for Sydney spoke about two key actions that could be taken right now to cool Sydney, including banning dark coloured roofs.
Approximately 10 MPs and their offices came to the briefing, and we’ll be following up to make sure all MPs are aware of the rising danger to NSW communities as our summers get hotter.