The Council, in collaboration with Western Sydney University, states it has completed the most detailed microclimate and urban heat mapping of Brookvale ever and the findings are hot.
The study revealed that the diverse land uses and varying levels of tree canopy coverage in Brookvale create stark temperature differences of nearly 5°C across the suburb.
The absolute highest temperature recorded was 43.7°C at Mitchell Road on 28 January 2025, while Dale Street was identified as one of the hottest streets with a mean air temperature of 23.9°C - almost 1.5°C warmer than the coolest spot on Clearview Place.
Cooler locations were found in the very north-western part of the precinct, just to the east of the extensive vegetation within Allenby Park, where tree canopy cover was higher even within the built environment.
As expected, the study revealed that the Brookvale’s industrial areas with their minimal greenery tend to experience more intense and prolonged heat, underscoring the urban heat island effect. However, where areas with higher tree canopy cover and vegetation benefit from cooler daytime temperatures, the study also revealed that dense canopies can trap heat at night, acting like a thermal blanket.
Mayor Sue Heins said, "This study provides invaluable insights into the microclimate of Brookvale and highlights the importance of the urban tree canopy and green spaces.
"The identification of hot spots and cooler locations within Brookvale allows us to strategically plan our greening efforts.
"These findings support the Brookvale Structure Plan - Greening Strategy to transform our public spaces using evidence-based data. Through incorporating more shade, vegetation, and water elements, we aim to create a more comfortable and inviting environment for everyone." Mayor Heins said.
This joint initiative is part of Council’s ongoing efforts to combat the urban heat island effect in Brookvale.
Council states that, subject to further grant funding opportunities, additional temperature monitoring to track the effectiveness of these heat mitigation strategies can occur over time.
This project was funded by the Australian Government’s Housing Support Scheme Grant.
Background
The Heat Logger project involved recording near-surface air temperatures at 30 locations across Brookvale from 1 December 2024 to 15 February 2025.
The study found that cool air masses can travel unobstructed from the sea at North Curl Curl Beach, up the Curl Curl Lagoon and along Greendale Creek for 2 km inland without being warmed by grey infrastructure.
Streets with more tree canopy and vegetation were cooler during the day; however, dense canopies could retain heat at night like a thermal blanket. Industrial areas with limited greenery experienced higher and more persistent heat, highlighting the urban heat island effect.
Brookvale has one of the lowest tree canopy coverages (21%) in the local government area, and experiences high urban heat (over 9°C above reference temperature). Much of the industrial and mixed-use areas have less than 10% tree cover.
The Brookvale Structure Plan - Greening Strategy builds on the work identified in the Northern Beaches Tree Canopy Plan by providing scientific, evidence-based data to inform planning controls to increase urban tree canopy in targeted locations along streets, public open spaces, and as part of new buildings, while maintaining suitable access for vehicles within the industrial precincts. When redesigning public spaces and the new town square, more shade, vegetation, impervious surfaces, and water elements will be prioritised.
Microclimates of Brookvale: Taking the Pulse of the Northern Beaches Industrial Heartland. Sebastian Pfautsch, Agnieszka Wujeska-Klause, Judi Walters, WSU Urban Transformations Research Centre, School of Social Sciences
Abstract
The suburb of Brookvale in Sydney's east is industrial centre of the Northern Beaches Local Government Area (LGA). The area is gaining increased recognition for its growing micro-brewery industry, emerging arts scene, and innovative small businesses. Also, the local population is growing rapidly. The proximity of Brookvale to the Pacific Ocean means that summer temperatures are relatively mild compared to those experienced further west in the Sydney Basin. However, summer air temperatures can rise above 40°C, which presents health risks for local communities. Low canopy cover across the industrial part of Brookvale means little shade and transpiration cooling is provided when it is needed the most.
Future development across the precinct will be informed by the Brookvale Structure Plan, which outlines priorities for the next 15 years starting in 2023. Development decisions on where and how issues related to urban heat should be addressed requires a sound understanding of the microclimatic variation across the suburb. This report provides such knowledge. It is the most detailed analysis of urban microclimates across the precinct to date.
Near-surface air temperatures (3 m above ground) were recorded at 30 locations including streets dominated by commercial or residential buildings and car parks. Almost 300,000 individual measurements were collected in the summer of 2024/25 (1 December 2024 to 15 February 2025). The report details the results of the temperature analyses and based on the findings, it provides practical recommendations that aim at improving the summer microclimates of Brookvale.
Available in full in:
Sebastian Pfautsch, Agnieszka Wujeska-Klause, Judi Walters. Microclimates of Brookvale: Taking the Pulse of the Northern Beaches Industrial Heartland. WSU Urban Transformations Research Centre, School of Social Sciences. Full text at: https://researchers.westernsydney.edu.au/en/publications/microclimates-of-brookvale-taking-the-pulse-of-the-northern-beach
Brookvale Structure Plan
Council, at its meeting on Tuesday 28 November, endorsed the Brookvale Structure Plan.
The Northern Beaches Council states the plan will shape the future development of Brookvale over the next 15 years. More than 1,350 new homes will be built, with at least 5 per cent set aside as affordable homes, and 900 jobs created under the new plan.
There will be more diverse housing, including much needed affordable housing, in one of the most accessible areas on the Northern Beaches.
Highlights of the plan include:
- support for 900 new jobs including high quality office space
- 5,000sqm town square/greenspace and improvements to streetscapes
- up to 1,350 new homes, delivering more diverse and affordable housing options for the area
- a new town centre around the B-line stop
- 2,000-2,500sqm of community facilities in the proposed town square
- improved pedestrian and bike connectivity throughout Brookvale.
The Council states the plan balances the need for parking in future development in Brookvale as well as promoting the use of sustainable forms of transport. It is underpinned by rigorous traffic, transport, employment and housing studies and strategies. Feedback from extensive community consultation has also been taken into consideration in developing the final plan.
What's next?
The Council states; ''We will now commence work on implementing the Structure Plan which involves the preparation of a large number of technical studies to support the preparation of a Planning Proposal, Development Control Plan and Section 7.11 Contributions Plan.
For landowners who would like to fast track the Planning Proposal process, they are able to lodge a proponent initiated Planning Proposal application with Council that is consistent with Council’s endorsed Structure Plan.''
The new 'town square' (B-line stop): after - Artist's Impression. Image: NBC