Heatwave conditions have gripped parts of Queensland and Western Australia, pushing temperatures to extremes and prompting local communities to establish dedicated cooling spaces.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued heatwave warnings, advising residents to find ways to keep cool without incurring additional costs.

In Western Australia, three towns, including Bridgetown, Greenbushes, and Rockingham, have implemented public cooling spaces as part of the Heat Vulnerability Project.

These spaces, located in local libraries and community centers, offer residents relief from the heat.

Rachel Siewert of the WA Council of Social Service noted the importance of these spaces, particularly for individuals who either lack air conditioning or cannot afford its use during the heatwave.

Supported by National Disaster Risk Reduction funding, the Heat Vulnerability Project collaborates with local governments and community organizations to ensure the development of these cooling interventions aligns with community needs.

In addition, alerts are sent to residents with advice during extreme heat conditions.

Queensland is similarly affected, with temperatures reaching record highs.

The BoM and Queensland Health have urged people to use public facilities like shopping centers and libraries to stay cool, especially for those without access to air conditioning.

Queensland Health recommends methods such as soaking feet in cool water and wearing wet bandanas to mitigate heat stress.

Heat-related health risks are significant, with conditions like heat cramps, exhaustion, and heatstroke posing serious threats.

The World Health Organization recognizes heatwaves as a natural hazard that can exacerbate existing health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and asthma.

Pop-up cooling hubs have been set up in Sydney parks to provide relief for individuals without a place to cool down.

The University of Sydney's Heat and Health Research Centre has contributed to this initiative, which equips hubs with fans and cold water.

These measures are activated when conditions meet certain heat stress criteria.

Groups most at risk from the heat include the elderly, pregnant women, and low-income individuals who may struggle to afford cooling solutions.

Researchers, including Professor Peter Crank from the University of Waterloo, highlight that socio-economic factors play a significant role in vulnerability to extreme heat.

The response across Australia illustrates a wider acknowledgment of the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves and the need for accessible public cooling strategies to alleviate heat stress for all citizens.