This work is guided by the Environment and Resilience Strategy 2024 - 2032, which sets out a long-term plan to help Bayside respond to future challenges, including climate change. View the strategy here.

Climate Change Effects

As the climate changes, Bayside Council is actively planning for a range of effects on our community, environment and infrastructure. Below are effects of climate change:

• Hotter days and more heatwaves, which can affect health, especially for older and vulnerable community members
• Urban heat island effects, intensified by hard surfaces and lower tree canopy
• Heavier rainfall and rising sea-levels, which can put pressure on drains, creeks and waterways
• Stress on the environment, including plants, trees, open spaces and local wildlife
• Increased cost pressures on households, businesses and Council infrastructure

Council looks at these issues together when planning for the future, recognising that changes to the climate can affect people, places and services across Bayside in different ways.

Heat Island Effect

Some parts of Bayside experience higher local temperatures because buildings, roads and other hard surfaces absorb and hold heat - this is known as the urban heat island effect.

Hotter local temperatures can increase heat stress, affect health and wellbeing, and place extra pressure on homes, infrastructure and the environment. To help reduce these impacts, Council is increasing tree canopy, expanding urban greening, and creating cooler, more comfortable public spaces across Bayside.

Coastal flooding and erosion in Bayside

Some low‑lying coastal areas in Bayside are increasingly at risk from flooding and erosion due to rising sea levels and climate change.

Around Botany Bay, erosion has been influenced by natural coastal processes and past activities like dredging and land reclamation.

Council manages these risks by:

• monitoring coastal conditions
• maintaining dunes and coastal vegetation
• planning long‑term to protect buildings, natural areas and community access

This work helps keep Bayside’s coastline safe, healthy and accessible.

More information on coastal and environmental conditions across NSW is available through SEED, the NSW Government’s environmental data portal.

Coastal Management Program

Council is working with government partners to develop Coastal Management Programs (CMP) for the Cooks River and Georges River.

A CMP is a long-term plan to improve river health and manage these waterways in a coordinated way. Each program includes practical actions and a 10-year works plan to benefit the environment, community and local economy.

Once approved by the NSW Government, the CMPs will allow access to funding to help deliver these projects.

Climate Change consideration in Planning and Development

Climate change and land use pressures mean there is a growing need for development in Bayside to be appropriately located and designed. By planning development that considers the impacts of climate change, Council promotes community wellbeing and resilience.

Climate resilience is considered through:

• Strategic land‑use planning
• Infrastructure design and asset management
• Water‑sensitive urban design
• Urban greening and canopy planning - maintaining existing tree canopy wherever possible
• Emergency management and community preparedness

Council continues to update its planning approaches. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact Council’s Development Assessment Services on 1300 581 299 or council@bayside.nsw.gov.au