A master class event on tackling Sydney’s urban heat dilemma will take place in 2020.

The event, organised by Penrith City Council, aims to bring key stakeholders and leading professionals together at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on February 18.

Penrith mayor Ross Fowler OAM says the event is a ‘must attend’ for planners, developers, builders, architects, urban designers and others working in the construction industry.

“Together, we will explore initiatives to create cooler urban spaces, present the business case for greener development and explore innovative heat reduction strategies that can be applied to not only Western Sydney, but across any major metropolitan city.”

He explains that the master class was developed as a result of councillor concerns arising from community feedback on the impact of urban heat on Penrith’s future liveability.

“We know it’s hot in Penrith during summer and only set to get hotter. We have developed a Masterclass program that delivers international perspectives and allows built environment professionals to hear from National experts, as well as see leading case studies and research in action.”

Dr Josh Byrne is an Environmental Scientist based in Perth and a contributor to ABC’s Gardening Australia show; he will be a keynote speaker at the event and says that Perth has some great examples of urban development highlighting an integrated approach to energy, water and landscaping.

He sees the Master Class as a terrific opportunity to share the learnings from these projects.

He says: “The challenges of increasing urban heat and extreme heat events is something that we need to be planning for now. The approach requires collaboration and creativity to ensure private and public spaces are designed appropriately.”