The stifling reality of Brisbane’s CBD, where a lack of shade sees temperatures hit 54

Sydney Morning Herald

by Felicity Caldwell

February 24, 2026

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The stifling reality of Brisbane’s CBD, where a lack of shade sees temperatures hit 54

Brisbane’s CBD faces an escalating challenge as extreme heat intensifies due to a lack of shade, creating uncomfortable conditions for workers and visitors alike. During peak lunch hours in late February, temperatures soared to 54 degrees on sun-exposed surfaces like the Victoria Bridge, while shaded areas remained significantly cooler—highlighting the urgent need for more tree cover and protective infrastructure. The King George Square, a bustling hub, exemplifies this issue, with its dark paved surfaces reaching 47 degrees in full sunlight compared to just 29 degrees under one of its few shade trees. This stark temperature difference underscores the critical role of shade in mitigating urban heat islands, which are exacerbated by modern development practices. The problem is not new; decades of urban planning have contributed to the decline of shaded areas. For instance, a $28 million revamp of King George Square in 2009 removed fountains and grass lawns, leaving the area largely exposed. Despite multiple council elections addressing this issue, progress has been slow. A recent internal review revealed that Brisbane’s shade coverage dropped from 35% to 32% over a decade, raising concerns about meeting the city’s goal of achieving 50% shaded footpaths and bikeways by 2031. This lack of shade not only affects comfort but

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/24/2026