Peculiar devices have been popping up on streetlights across Ipswich as part of a new project that will help the city adapt to a changing climate.
Thirteen temperature and humidity sensors resembling metal beehives have been installed at three locations across Ipswich as part of a joint initiative between Ipswich City Council, Griffith University and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
The sensors have been installed at Bell, Limestone and Brisbane streets in the Ipswich CBD and Joy Chambers Circuit in Ripley.
Environment and Sustainability Committee chair Councillor Russell Milligan said it was all part of a broader project that was investigating the effects of urban heat islands on communities.
“Ipswich is no stranger to heatwaves, and this project will look at that as well as other climate conditions and urban heat islands across our city,” Cr Milligan said.
“Over the next six to 12 months the sensors will measure temperatures and humidity from their surrounding built environments.
“This data will ultimately be used to inform a sustainability strategy which will consider how we can improve the thermal comfort of the Ipswich community.”
Cr Milligan said the project would help future-proof Ipswich.
“Current modelling suggests that over time our city will continue to be exposed to high-average temperatures across all seasons, more hot days per year and extreme heatwaves,” Cr Milligan said.
“This project is key to our city growing sustainably and helping us take action to reduce heat island effects through urban design, planning and other methods.”
Cr Milligan encouraged the community to get involved in the project through the Shape Your Ipswich website.
“Residents can help by sharing their experiences and thoughts regarding the temperature in Ipswich, specifically around the sensor locations or other Ipswich locations,” Cr Milligan said.
“Their feedback, along with the data collected by the sensors, will help us understand how well the urban design of the area is meeting the need to alleviate heat.”
More information is available at Shapeyouripswich.com.au/urban-heat
