The soaring temperatures of summer 2016-17 that have made us hot and bothered may soon be a thing of the past – thanks to a new partnership between Sydney Science Park and CSIRO.
Assistant science minister Craig Laundy this week launched the CSIRO Urban Living Lab at Sydney Science Park in Luddenham.
It is the first of its kind in Australia and will provide a testing ground for researchers, industry, government and communities to collaborate and examine ideas, concepts and inventions.
Among the ideas to be tested, include urban innovations aimed at helping cool down Western Sydney’s hot spots or urban heat islands such as Macarthur and Liverpool.
By 2030, the region is expected to experience an additional seven days above 35°C per year, placing more exposed communities at risk.
Chairman of the Western Sydney leadership dialogue Christopher Brown says the CSIRO’s decision to base their lab at Sydney Science Park reinforced the region’s emergence as a leader in innovation, research and technology and would go a long way towards helping cool down the urban heat islands that are so prevalent in our neck of the woods.
“This partnership between Sydney Science Park and CSIRO is another positive step towards the ongoing development of Western Sydney’s science and innovation sector,” Mr Brown said.
“The region is already known for its work in the areas of bio-medical and health research, and Sydney Science Park, which also plans to house NSWs’ first STEM School, continues to set a new standard when it comes to driving the next generation of jobs, skills and communities.
“This is an opportunity for some of the nation’s big thinkers to come together and look at how new technologies, materials, urban design and green infrastructure can combine to protect Western Sydney against the heat,” he said.
Often referred to as Australia’s own Silicon Valley, Sydney Science Park, managed by Western Sydney property developers Celestino, is set on over 280 hectares of land.
On completion it is expected to employ more than 12,000 staff, in mostly high skilled, high paying jobs.
It will also educate 10,000 students in key scientific and technological disciplines, and provide more than 3,000 homes.
The CSIRO Urban Living Lab at Sydney Science Park will invite innovators from all over Australia to participate in this new initiative.
Some of the ideas already floated include the development and application of different types of energy, smart water systems and other sustainable innovations that can respond to climate and population changes.
“This initiative provides an opportunity for some of Australia’s most creative minds to collaborate and potentially unearth new thinking and concepts that will produce sustainable, economic and social outcomes, not just for Western Sydney, but the entire nation,” Mr Brown said.
