Managing resilient urban greenspaces in Australian cities

Project Summary

As Australian cities face increasingly complex sustainability challenges from natural disasters, including extreme weather events and heat, urban green spaces are essential to mitigate these challenges and support resilient cities. These spaces provide environmental and health benefits, ranging from microclimate regulation and disaster mitigation, to support for the physical and mental wellbeing of residents and visitors.

To ensure that these urban green spaces reach their full potential in performance and resilience they need to be managed effectively. Access to practical resources to support the mitigation of increasingly extreme climate and weather events will be integral to this management.

This project is developing three best-practical guides for urban planners, emergency management organisations, and local and state government agencies on planning, designing and managing public urban green spaces that are equipped to handle the impacts of natural hazards.

Case studies in Western Melbourne and Western Sydney will include data collation and scenario modelling of the impact of disaster and extreme weather on urban green spaces. Following this modelling, a comprehensive fourth guide will be developed on design and management. Supporting resources will include online materials, videos, podcasts, and presentations. These resources will be invaluable to future greenfield developments and existing urban greenspaces, providing guidelines on developing and maintaining resilient multi-functional urban green spaces.

Project Team

• Sebastian Pfautsch (WSU)
• Greg Morrison (WSU)
• Awais Piracha (WSU)
• Rachael Nolan (WSU)
• Ehsan Noroozinejad Farsangi (WSU)
• Aso Haji Rasouli (WSU)
• Stephen Livesley (UoM)
• Matthew Burns (UoM)
• Marie Dade (UoM)
• Hamish Clark (UoM)
• Negin Nazarian (UNSW)
• Jason Evans (UNSW)

Project Partners

HORT Innovation, City of Campbelltown, City of Penrith, City of Wyndham, Greater Western Water, Committee for Sydney, Sweltering Cities, Victorian Planning Authority (VPA), Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

Acknowledgements

Managing resilient urban green spaces in Australian cities is funded through Frontiers, developed by Hort Innovation, with co-investment from Western Sydney University, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, Campbelltown City Council, Penrith City Council, Wyndham City, and contributions from the Australian Government.

Information

Visit the Resilient Parks website: https://www.resilientparks.org/

Visit the Managing Resilient Urban Greenspaces in Australian Cities LinkedIn.