Advocates are amplifying calls for more government support to deal with extreme heat, following the release of new research from the University of Queensland showing a 20 per cent increase in heatwave-related deaths due to climate change.
The Power Together coalition, a collection of social service, faith and environmental groups, have come together to call for more government action to address heatwaves, Queensland’s deadliest extreme weather event.
The groups, including the Queensland Council of Social Services, Queensland Conservation Council and Energetic Communities, have released a new policy report, which calls on the Queensland Government to help all Queenslanders stay safe by planning for extreme heat and supporting upgrades in social housing and rental properties.
The third of Queenslanders who rent or live in social housing are particularly exposed to heat stress due to energy inefficient housing and a limited ability to access affordable solar energy to cool their homes.
Queensland Conservation Council campaigner Stephanie Gray says:
“Climate change is driving more extreme and frequent heatwaves. On our current trajectory, it’s expected that heatwaves will become 85 per cent more frequent.
“Heat stress puts the health of vulnerable Queenslanders at risk, especially for renters and social housing tenants who live in inefficient housing and without access to affordable solar energy to keep cool.
“There are a few things the Queensland Government needs to deliver to keep all Queenslanders safe as our summers get hotter: climate action, a plan for our communities to deal with already locked-in extreme heat, and further investments in upgrading social housing and private rentals.
“Helping all Queenslanders upgrade the efficiency of their homes and access affordable renewable energy is a triple threat. It will help keep homes cool, reduce climate pollution and power bills.”
Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) spokesperson Matt Gardiner says:
“Queensland is no stranger to extreme heat events. They are known as ‘silent killers’ with heat waves claiming more lives every year than bushfires, floods, and storms.
“Queenslanders on low-income are doing it tough every year, with the cost-of-living crisis affecting more families.
“While the Queensland Council Of Social Service welcomes the State Government’s recent plan to install ceiling fans in 24,000 social homes, more needs to be done to help those needing it most.
“Low-income families should not be choosing between going into debt or running their air conditioning.
“QCOSS is a partner of the Power Together coalition that is calling for rooftop solar and batteries for social and community housing properties across Queensland.
“QCOSS also welcomes the Queensland Government’s commitment to a Solar for Renters scheme, and we urge them to deliver the details on this commitment.”
Energetic Communities Policy Advocate and President Luke Reade says:
“Australia’s existing housing stock is incredibly inefficient – meaning homes are dangerously hot in summer and cold in winter, and this will only worsen with climate change.
“Existing properties have an average energy efficiency rating of between 1.7-1.8 stars, compared to new build homes that are required to be at least 7 stars under the National Construction Code.
“Everyone deserves a healthy and affordable home that is a sanctuary from the heat, but many renters don’t have the agency or ability to make energy efficiency upgrades or benefit from household solar and storage.
“Relying on inefficient appliances to keep poor-quality homes cool wastes electricity and drives up power bills.
“We’d like to see Queensland join other jurisdictions and implement minimum energy efficiency standards and disclosure for rental properties.”
Recently the Queensland Government announced plans to install ceiling fans in more than 24,000 Queensland social housing properties as part of their commitment to fund upgrades to social housing through the Social Housing Energy Performance initiative.
They also pledged to roll out a Supercharged Solar for Renters scheme prior to the election. These are good first steps, but more needs to be done to ensure Queensland homes are safe and healthy.