Page 42 - Tropic Magazine Issue 37

TROPIC • OPINION

Urban scorcher

How can we beat the heat in our suburbs and cities?

Lucy Graham Gisela Jung

CAIRNS & FAR NORTH ENVIRONMENT CENTRE CA ARCHITECTS

In 2021, CAFNEC embarked on a deep listening campaign We hear a lot about building blocks being just too tight,
to better understand community attitudes, concerns too small, too hot, leading to some disappointing outcomes.
and solutions on climate change. Far North Queensland New lot sizes are smaller than ever, however I’m not
is a unique place, featuring some of the most distinctive convinced that 400 or even 250 square metre blocks are
natural environments on earth, and diverse communities actually too small. What I am convinced of is that we need to
and cultures. CAFNEC wanted to understand how our carefully consider what types of homes go on which lots.
unique communities, and our region are understanding the The average Queensland home now has to have four
impacts of climate change. bedrooms, a separate TV/family room and a double garage.
The listening campaign saw volunteers door-knocking for Nobody seems to be missing large backyards, which used to
months at a time, asking residents about their thoughts provide food, open space and connection to nature.
on climate change, including the top issues and solutions. Front yards tend to be made up of 50 per cent concrete
We also asked residents how they felt about the increasing driveway and some lawn burning in the sun.
impacts of climate change. The number one issue residents New subdivision layouts do not allow for breezes to cool our
identified was government inaction. Otherwise, coastal houses. Backyards are compact and the neighbours are only
hazards and urban development were described as the a stone’s throw away. Missing street trees and small and
biggest climate issues we have. Heat featured as a concern bare front and back gardens ensure that we truly live in a
across all suburbs, but more significantly in Smithfield. concrete jungle with sealed streets and driveways pushing
Furthermore, residents spoke about coastal hazards and very warm air towards our homes.
heat as key urban development issues. Residents were I have a couple of ideas for the future home buyer:
concerned about new developments being poorly designed
for the heat that we experience in the north. 1. Think about how much space you really need and how
When specifically asked about the climate solutions the much of it requires air-conditioning.
community sees as a priority, the number one solution was
emissions reduction, followed by renewable energy and 2. Don’t buy a house off the plan! Choose your site, spend
electric vehicles. When talking about climate change and some time there, imagine how a house will fit onto the
heat, people are thinking about the national and lot and experience where the breezes come from.
state-wide solutions our governments need to enact to limit
warming, which can be correlated to the identification of 3. Talk to others who live in the area, talk to an expert, an
government inaction as a key climate issue. On a more local architect – someone who understands
level, residents were asking for more green spaces to reduce sustainable design.
heat, the allowance of verge gardens by council, and more
community gardens and wetlands integrated into the 4. Love your trees and bushes. Lawn alone is not going to
city space. cool your house down.

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42 • Tropic • Issue 37