Increasing resilience to climate change in the Western Sydney region : an analysis of local council strategies for climate, health, and wellbeing

Living with the impacts of climate change is one of the greatest challenges to public health. These impacts have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted the importance of urban design in promoting health and wellbeing and reducing inequities. Climate change is considered a critical challenge for all levels of government. These challenges and impacts are experienced most acutely at the local level of government as they support their communities during and after natural disasters, and manage their assets and infrastructure, creating compounding associated costs. The focus of this research is on Western Sydney region, one of the fastest growing areas in Australia, spanning eight Local Government Areas (Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Penrith, Wollondilly). The region has also been hit by a succession of shocks and stresses including natural disasters and the global pandemic. Given the scale and significance of climate change impacts in Western Sydney, a long-term approach to planning in this region is essential to ensure we plan healthy cities that prioritise climate change adaptation and mitigation. Our research aimed to identify how the eight councils have addressed climate risk and resilience, and to determine the barrier and enablers to planning, implementing, and evaluating related strategies across the Western Sydney region.