Heat island effect will be out of control in five years' time

Local resident Mr Frank Wiffen reported in a recent Peninsula News edition how the heat island effect increases with new development approvals.

The December 12 edition reported that council director Dr Alice Howe has advised a review of the heat island effect would take place within the next five years.

This is not acceptable.

The new shopping complex on the corner of Ocean Beach Rd and Lone Pine Ave is an example of what development will be approved in the meantime.

Before this development, the area, now occupied, included large trees and open space, with a small centre and car park.

The entire site is now a heat generating island without any signs of heat reduction design.

If this is allowed to continue for another five years and more, the heat island effect will be out of control on the Peninsula, with dire consequences for residents, infrastructure and lifestyles.

The absurdity of the director's advice is that the phenomenon has been accepted by the council, but it has resolved to defer a review until the matter is beyond adaptation.

What adaptation actions has Dr Howe recommended to alleviate the heat island effect?

Residents passing the new plaza will compare the new development to the total development of the site and ask whether the heat island effect was an issue for the council and the proponent.

From my observation, it was not and it indicates a business-as-usual mentality.

A comparison between both the before and after designs would be an interesting assignment.

Publication of an aerial view of the former development/site is an option for those unfamiliar with the character change.

SOURCE:

Letter, 5 Jan 2023

Norm Harris, Umina