Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
Australia has implemented a coordinated, multi-tiered approach to managing extreme heat through federal and state-level initiatives.
Australia has implemented a coordinated, multi-tiered approach to managing extreme heat through federal and state- level initiatives. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) launched the National Heatwave Warning Framework in November 2022, which issues heatwave warnings along with behavioural advice during periods of extreme heat. These warnings are disseminated nationwide through online portals, mobile apps, and media partnerships, supporting the management of critical services and infrastructure while providing targeted advice to vulnerable populations. State and territory government emergency services and health departments, in collaboration with federal health authorities, implement localized heat action plans tailored to regional needs, ensuring that responses to extreme heat are context- specific.
The National Heatwave Warning Framework aligns with the Australian Warning System, providing a consistent three-level warning structure (Advice, Watch and Act, Emergency Warning) across Commonwealth, State, and Territory Governments. This system is designed to reduce the impact of heatwaves not only on health but also on critical infrastructure, ecosystems, and societal functions. The warnings allow for a wide range of preparatory actions as heatwaves intensify, escalating advice from vulnerable individuals to healthy people, and including guidance on protecting infrastructure.
Each State and Territory has developed its own heat health plans to address heat risks through prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery strategies. Lead agencies vary by jurisdiction but typically include health departments, emergency services, and meteorological bodies. The decentralized approach ensures that State and Territory Governments can adapt their heat action plans to local conditions while benefiting from federal coordination.
Cross-sectoral collaboration primarily involves the integration of public health, meteorological services, and emergency management. While public-private partnerships have not played a prominent role in Australia’s heat resilience efforts, there is ongoing exploration of partnerships to incorporate heat resilience into urban planning and infrastructure projects.
Efforts are increasingly focused on integrating Indigenous knowledge into heat resilience strategies, recognizing that Western approaches may not be sufficient and that engagement with Indigenous ways of understanding and managing heat could offer valuable insights.
Key achievements include the nationwide Multi Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS), an informed heatwave warning system developed by BOM, which provides timely information to both the public and authorities, enabling prompt action.
Localized heat action plans have been developed across States and Territories, allowing for tailored responses to regional climate conditions and population needs. These efforts have significantly strengthened Australia’s resilience to extreme heat and improved cross-sectoral public health response capabilities.
Australia’s model of decentralized, State-led heat management supported by strong national coordination highlights the importance of localized adaptation strategies. While public- private partnerships were not prominently featured, Australia’s comprehensive warning system and cross-government collaboration provide a robust foundation for responding to extreme heat. This model offers valuable insights for countries with similar governance structures and emphasizes the need for integrating Indigenous knowledge, health, climate, and urban planning efforts to build long-term resilience.