2024 Western Sydney Symposium: Recordings from Climate Action in the Public Realm

Our recent symposium in collaboration with Cumberland City Council and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects attracted almost 200 built environment professionals. We heard six talks from government leaders, academics and other experts on diverse topics, followed by two lively panel discussions. 

Subjects ranged from UN Global Goal #17; urban cooling and how integrated smart technology can assist at scale; green, blue and also pink infrastructure (pink being for social and community); product stewardship and circularity; and innovative materials such as low carbon aluminium. 

Access the recording here.

Here’s a rapid fire summary of our key takeaways and start times for each of the talks and panels:

🎤 Talk 1 – Tackling Western Sydney’s Urban Heat (0:09:45)
Sebastian Pfautsch GAICD, Western Sydney University
“Effective urban cooling needs to be actioned at scale. Set and pursue long term goals.”

🎤 Talk 2 – Green and Blue Infrastructure for Australian Settlements (0:22:18)
David Martin, Urban Green Infrastructure and Sustainability Strategist
“Action requires a coordinated approach with sector based engagement”, and “collaboration is key”.

🎤 Talk 3 – Cooling Down Western Sydney, A Smart Cumberland Approach (0:37:57)
Eshita Dutia, Cumberland City Council
“Technology is our friend – don’t be afraid of it!”

🎤 Talk 4 – Materials, What is Low Carbon Aluminium? (0:47:05)
Jeff Morgan, Hassell
Demanding low carbon and recycled aluminium can dramatically reduce Australia’s emissions. And when it comes to using our natural resources: “Consider what is it worth?”

🎤 Talk 5 – Circularity and Product Stewardship (0:59:00)
Rose Read, Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence
Circularity and climate action are one and the same – so let’s transform the way we make and use products. “Producer responsibility operationalises the circular economy.”

🎤 Talk 6 – Data Driven Climate Action (1:09:48)
June Lee Boxsell, Street Furniture Australia
“You can’t improve what you can’t measure” and “buy less, but buy well.”

Two lively panel conversations followed, chaired by Joshua French, Chief Executive of Greater Sydney Parklands.

🎤 Panel 1 – Q&A with Speakers (1:22:15)
Joshua started this panel with a questions on change management with the ensuing discussion covering a wide range of themes form raising young leaders, understanding and managing data, to material choices and designing for longevity.

🎤 Panel 2 – The Future of Western Sydney (1:53:02)
Joshua led this discussion to better understand how the local built environment sector is responding to the changing climate. The conversation included Martin O’Dea, Cloustons; Matt Coggan, DPHI; and from Western Sydney Councils Adam Cook, City of Parramatta; Ahmed Mehio, Cumberland City Council; and Andrew Hewson, Penrith City Council.

Our special thanks to Panel Chair Joshua French and Hosts Ben Stockwin, AILA and Christopher Manoski, Cumberland City Council. Thank you also to everyone who joined us in person and online.

This event was presented by: