Extreme Heat Awareness Day (Feb 4) is a national moment to recognise how rising temperatures are already affecting our health, our work, and our everyday lives. In Townsville, extreme heat isn’t an abstract issue - it shapes how we move through our city, where we spend time, and which places we avoid altogether.

To mark the day, we’re launching Too Hot to Ignore: A Cooler Townsville Project - a community-led effort to better understand where heat hits hardest in our city and what practical, local solutions could make the biggest difference. From shade and trees to water access and better design, we want to hear what would help you most.

The experiences, ideas, and locations shared through this project will be used to advocate for stronger action on extreme heat — both locally and at the state level - so that heat is treated as a serious risk and planning priority.

Come and talk to us at our market stall, share your experiences, point out places that feel unbearably hot, and let us know which solutions matter most to you. You can also get involved as a volunteer for an hour or two on the day - no long-term commitment required.

When: 7am - 1pm Sun 8 Feb
Where: Cotter Market, City Centre

Can’t make it on the day? Leave us a comment below to share your ideas or nominate hot spots - every insight helps us build a stronger case for a cooler, safer Townsville.