This presentation describes the findings of a project undertaken by CSIRO with support from the NSW Environmental Trust. The aim of the project was to investigate the opportunities for urban vegetation as a 'green infrastructure' strategy for adaptation of Western Sydney to the potential health impacts of extreme heat. With Western Sydney expected to house much of Sydney's future urban growth, increasing numbers of people are likely to be exposed to more frequent and severe heat events as a result of climate change, and without access to cool sea breezes, they will be reliant on the quality of future urban development for health protection.

Spatial analysis was undertaken to identify the role of contemporary urban form in driving urban thermal performance across Sydney. Land surface temperatures were estimated using thermal remote sensing. Urban vegetation was identified as the dominant control on land surface temperatures. The majority of urban vegetation is located in residential areas, but in decreasing quantities as suburb dwelling density increases. Various modelling techniques were used to evaluate the health benefits of urban vegetation under future urban development and climate change scenarios. While regional greening was important, benefits to households were greatest from local planting to shade housing. We conclude with an outline of the shared public/private responsibility for ‘green infrastructure' and the policy challenges this presents.