Heatwave and Access to Cooling Solutions

Australia is currently facing extreme heatwave conditions, prompting discussions about the challenges many face in accessing ways to cool down, such as public swimming pools. Although nine in ten Australians live within a 20-minute drive of a public pool, unequal access persists, particularly in rapidly growing suburbs where population density is high and pool availability is low. In areas with fewer facilities, residents often encounter transport difficulties and limited operational seasons for pools, exacerbating their struggle to find relief from the heat. This growing disparity highlights the need for equitable community resources as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of heatwaves.