Some western Sydney suburbs experiencing rapid population growth rank among the least healthy areas to reside in the city, according to new maps that display environmental hazards and safe zones. The map illustrating Sydney’s gradual gradient emphasizes the significant disparity between the wealthy east and the underprivileged communities in the west.
Researchers integrated mortality and socioeconomic data, along with 11 environmental elements, such as average temperatures, green spaces, building density, and air quality from 2016 to 2019, arriving at an overall score between zero and 100 for 2180 Australian suburbs and areas.
In an interview DEA member Dr Kim Loo says, “A lot of my patients have fans, and some have air conditioners, but with the cost-of-living crisis, a lot of them are very cautious about turning them on.”