Three locations in Maryborough will operate as Cool Spaces this summer, providing the community with safe, comfortable places to retreat on days of extreme heat.
The new Cool Spaces initiative will be officially launched on Wednesday 3 December at 10am at Mill House Neighbourhood House.
Cool Spaces are being set up around the world, including in country towns and capital cities in Australia, to provide retreats for people in extreme heat.
Extreme heat can affect everyone, and it can be deadly, causing heat stroke and heart attacks, especially for those with lung and heart conditions.
More than a third of Central Goldfields Shire's population is especially vulnerable to heat stress thanks to age, health, disability or a combination of these.
Central Goldfields Shire Heatwave Resilience Officer, Genevieve Barlow, said three sites in Maryborough have signed up to operate as Cool Spaces this summer — welcome news for the local community.
"Mill House Neighbourhood House, Paramount Cinema and the Maryborough Regional Library have all put their venues forward as Cool Spaces, as they are air-conditioned locations.
"People can go there to avoid getting dangerously hot to the point where they suffer heat stroke.
"We are mindful that other areas across our Shire also have this need. It's a matter of finding a suitable space and having local volunteers available to welcome people on hot days."
Victoria's Climate Science Report 2024 predicts our state will experience 30 heatwave days on average by 2050 in a low carbon emissions scenario. This will increase to around 40 days a year if emissions remain high.
Earlier this year, Council invited local primary and secondary school students to design a logo for the Cool Spaces.
200 entries were received – with the winning logo designed by Maryborough Education Centre student Davi. The winning logo will feature at each of the three locations to help the community identify a cool space.
The Cool Spaces initiative is funded through the Victorian Government.
