This project is part of a global program helping cities become more climate-resilient, and it works with councils, local businesses and communities to trial practical ways to make town centres cooler, safer and more comfortable — from understanding heat risks through to design and testing improvements on the ground.

The Cool Suburbs Design Book Program is a place-based initiative focused on improving heat resilience in the town centres of Doonside and Narellan.

The project is funded through global organisation Resilient Cities Catalyst and delivered in partnership with Resilient Sydney, Blacktown City and Camden councils.

The project combines heat risk assessment, Cool Suburbs analysis, and community engagement to identify practical, locally appropriate urban design interventions that can improve comfort, resilience and liveability in public spaces and business areas.

Pilot projects will deliver visible “quick win” cooling and resilience outcomes for residents and businesses, while also informing longer-term planning and investment pathways.

A key outcome of the program will be the development of a Cool Suburbs Design Book — a practical guide featuring case studies, design approaches and implementation pathways that can support other councils and neighbourhoods across Greater Sydney to improve their heat resilience.

The project is funded through the Neighborhood Small Business Climate Resilience Program, delivered by global Resilient Cities Catalyst and funded by American Express.

A core element of this partnership is learning from other cities across the world, while also showcasing Western Sydney’s leading role in heat resilience.