Climate Risk Assessment: Apple Tree Flat, NSW

Apple Tree Flat, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Apple Tree Flat faces increasing risks from bushfires, heatwaves and flooding. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these hazards, requiring proactive adaptation measures. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.5
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Apple Tree Flat

increasing

Flood

45/100

Apple Tree Flat faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and nearby creeks. Local topography can exacerbate water accumulation.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

The area around Apple Tree Flat has a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding vegetation and dry conditions, especially during summer. Fire danger is elevated during periods of drought and high winds.

Key drivers:

  • ·Drier climate
  • ·Increased fuel load
increasing

Heat

50/100

Apple Tree Flat is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Apple Tree Flat is not exposed to coastal risks.

stable

Wind

28/100

Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts

stable

Storm

39/100

Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail

stable

Social

21/100

Moderate social stability — mixed urban density

increasing

Energy

35/100

Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Apple Tree Flat

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Apple Tree Flat is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.4

2050

5.8

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Apple Tree Flat faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and nearby creeks. Local topography can exacerbate water accumulation.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
  • ·Aging drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.8

2050

5.2

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Apple Tree Flat is not exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

The area around Apple Tree Flat has a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding vegetation and dry conditions, especially during summer. Fire danger is elevated during periods of drought and high winds.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Drier climate
  • ·Increased fuel load
  • ·More frequent heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.3

2050

6.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increasing risk of bushfires and floods.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check bushfire and flood risk maps
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to extreme weather
  • 3.Review insurance options
  • 4.Consider long-term climate projections

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local Creeks
Elevation Range
Variable
Flood Zone
Potentially affected areas near creeks

Local creeks can overflow during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland
Planning Overlay
RFS Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties are at risk from ember attack and direct flame during bushfires.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves can cause heat stress and exacerbate existing health conditions.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
200 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not applicable
Erosion Risk
Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfire impacted areas near Apple Tree Flat, causing property damage and road closures.

Source
2016
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in low-lying areas, disrupting traffic and damaging infrastructure.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions led to heat stress and increased demand for emergency services.

Source
2020
bushfireMajor

Significant bushfires in the region, with widespread smoke and property damage.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5

HazardToday20302050
flood454.7(+0.2)4.9(+0.4)
bushfire606.3(+0.3)6.5(+0.5)
heat505.4(+0.4)5.7(+0.7)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Apple Tree Flat is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave frequency and intensity, as well as a heightened risk of bushfires due to drier conditions. Flooding risk will also increase due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement property maintenance, create firebreaks, and develop evacuation plans.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance Flood Mitigation

Near-term

Improve drainage infrastructure, elevate homes, and implement flood-resistant building designs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Heat Safety Awareness

Immediate

Establish cooling centers, provide heat safety education, and support vulnerable populations.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Strengthen Community Resilience

Long-term

Develop community-based disaster preparedness plans and foster social connections.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Apple Tree Flat's Climate Risk Profile

Apple Tree Flat, NSW, is a rural locality that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns are rising temperatures, increased bushfire risk, and more intense rainfall events leading to flooding.

The bushfire risk is significant due to the surrounding bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires, posing a threat to properties and lives. Residents need to maintain their properties and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Flooding is another concern, with heavy rainfall events capable of causing flash flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall, exacerbating the risk. Improved drainage and flood mitigation measures are needed to protect properties.

Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Ensuring access to cooling centers and promoting heat safety awareness are important adaptation strategies.

Overall, Apple Tree Flat needs to implement a range of adaptation measures to reduce its vulnerability to climate change. This includes improving bushfire preparedness, enhancing flood mitigation, and promoting heat safety.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW SES

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Apple Tree Flat?

The main risks are increased bushfire risk, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and more intense rainfall events leading to flooding.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires?

Clear vegetation around your home, create firebreaks, and have a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Apple Tree Flat?

Contact the local council or the NSW State Emergency Service for flood maps and information.

How will climate change affect property values in Apple Tree Flat?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased insurance premiums and potential damage from extreme weather events.

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What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections