Brookvale has been revealed as one of the most heat-vulnerable suburbs in the Northern Beaches, with just 21 per cent tree canopy coverage—among the lowest in the local government area—and experiencing urban temperatures over 9°C above reference levels.
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A new study conducted by Northern Beaches Council in partnership with Western Sydney University has delivered the most detailed microclimate and urban heat mapping of Brookvale to date. The data paints a confronting picture of the suburb’s exposure to heat extremes, much of it driven by low vegetation and the dominance of hard, grey infrastructure.
Across the 30 monitored locations, the study found that temperature differences of nearly 5°C can exist within the same suburb. The highest temperature, 43.7°C, was recorded on Mitchell Road during the peak of summer on 28 January 2025. By contrast, cooler pockets were detected near Allenby Park, where denser tree coverage helps moderate the local climate.
The suburb’s industrial and mixed-use zones were consistently the hottest, with some streets having less than 10 per cent canopy cover. These areas not only heated up faster but retained heat longer into the evening, illustrating the classic symptoms of the urban heat island effect. Streets like Dale Street recorded mean air temperatures nearly 1.5°C warmer than greener locations such as Clearview Place.
Yet, the study also revealed that while trees are essential for reducing daytime heat, dense canopies can act as thermal blankets at night, trapping warm air beneath. This dual effect adds complexity to urban planning and highlights the importance of a balanced approach to vegetation and airflow.
The findings are set to directly inform Council’s Brookvale Structure Plan – Greening Strategy, which aims to tackle these heat issues by adding more shade, greenery, and water elements to public spaces. Council is also exploring further temperature monitoring subject to additional funding, to track the effectiveness of future interventions.
The project was funded by the Australian Government’s Housing Support Scheme Grant and is part of broader efforts to build climate resilience in the rapidly evolving suburb.
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With development pressures increasing and summer temperatures soaring, the study offers clear evidence that Brookvale’s future liveability will hinge on how quickly and effectively its urban forest can grow.
Published 13-June-2025