During Summer 2022/23 Western Sydney University trained residents to use thermal imaging cameras to document surface temperatures in the local landscape as part of the Heat Detective project. The images captured temperatures varying from 20°C to over 60°C, demonstrating both the urban heat island effect and simple solutions to reduce its impact.
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Bandicoots in the Backyard: How to Cohabit With and Entice These Cute Little Critters
The Long-nosed Bandicoot is back in the Lower and Mid Mountains, and many residents are rejoicing at having visits from these furry friends. Find out about the benefits they bring and how to create a bandicoot-friendly garden here.
Read More »Water Management, Optimism and Preparation to Reduce Disaster Risk
The 2013 fires damaged much of Andy Stevenson's property on the Darling Causeway in Mount Victoria. Andy was determined to survive the next fire, while also creating a beautiful haven for family, guests and wildlife. Read his story here.
Read More »A Home for All Seasons: Future-Proofing for Human and Planetary Health
Hamish Dunlop talks with Joe and Merylese Mercieca about the journey from a ‘fibromajestic’ home to their newly completed Passivhaus, and how sustainable design and building methods can support human health and the health of the planet.
Read More »“We’re all in this together”: Towards Community Net Zero
Having been declared a natural disaster area five times in just four years, Blue Mountains City Council is reaching out to all sectors of the community to join in creating a Community Net Zero Strategy and Action Plan.
Read More »Building for Bushfire
A home among the gum trees is a dream for many of us. But turning that dream into a reality in one of the most bushfire-prone regions in the country can be tricky. Architect Nigel Bell helps us navigate the fundamentals of building or renovating for bushfire resilience.
Read More »Making a Habit of Disaster Risk Reduction
Habitat for Humanity is supplying the Medlow Bath community with CB radios and providing property services to vulnerable people to reduce risk during disasters.
Read More »Future-proofing with Water in a Japanese-inspired Garden
Inspired by Japanese Zen Buddhism, Anne Mellor has designed her Springwood home, in a Flame Zone, around water.
Read More »Council addresses climate induced urban forest and tree decline with citywide tree planting program
While Blue Mountains residents are all too familiar with the more visible impacts of climate change such as floods, droughts and fires, another lesser known impact of extreme weather is urban forest decline and tree death.
Read More »Eva Johnstone on Recovering and Regenerating Bushland after the Fires
After devastation, the restorative forces of nature begin the process of healing. On the 22nd December 2019, Australia’s biggest forest fire, which had already destroyed an area seven times the size of Singapore, raced up the gully below Clarence St and burnt to within 10m of Eva and Bill Johnstone’s property, just above Pope’s Glen in Blackheath. It burnt all …
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