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PROPERTY ANALYTICS

Climate Risk in Ashfield, New South Wales

Ashfield, New South Wales· Inner West· 2131
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Ashfield is a suburb in Sydney's Inner West, facing moderate climate risks, particularly from flooding and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. While the suburb is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, it is important to consider the potential impacts of climate change on property and infrastructure.

Overall Risk Score

5.2/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
2.5
Heat
6.0
Coastal
1.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

6.0/10

Ashfield is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events expected due to climate change. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

6.5/10

Ashfield faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and stormwater runoff. The area has a history of flooding, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urbanisation
  • ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

1.0/10

Ashfield is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from the coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

2.5/10

The risk of bushfire in Ashfield is relatively low due to its urban environment and distance from large areas of bushland. However, there is still a potential risk from grassfires and fires spreading from nearby reserves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to parks and reserves
  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Wind conditions

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

2.7

2050

2.9

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood risk.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood history of the property.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review council's climate adaptation plans.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Iron Cove Creek
Elevation Range
10-40 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near Iron Cove Creek are susceptible to flooding.

Historical flood data indicates that properties near the creek have experienced flooding in the past.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Approximately 5km to nearest significant bushland.
Planning Overlay
Not significantly affected by bushfire prone area overlays.
Bushfire Prone Area
No

The suburb is largely urbanized, reducing the risk of significant bushfire impact.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
29°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

The urban environment contributes to the urban heat island effect, increasing local temperatures.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
8 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not directly exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
No significant erosion risk.

Historical Climate Events

1990
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in parts of Ashfield, affecting some residential and commercial properties.

Source
2011
floodMinor

Localized flooding occurred due to heavy rainfall, impacting some streets and low-lying areas.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Sydney, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, placing stress on vulnerable populations.

Source
2020
stormModerate

A severe storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to Ashfield, causing some property damage and power outages.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.57.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire2.52.6(+0.1)2.7(+0.2)
heat6.06.4(+0.4)6.9(+0.9)
coastal1.01.01.0

By 2030, Ashfield is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by increased flooding and heatwave intensity. Rainfall patterns are expected to become more erratic, leading to more frequent flash flooding events. The urban heat island effect will exacerbate the impact of heatwaves, posing a greater risk to vulnerable populations.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Immediate

Invest in upgrading and expanding drainage infrastructure to improve stormwater management and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Increase Green Spaces

Near-term

Create more green spaces and plant trees to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Heat Action Plans

Immediate

Develop and implement heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including providing cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce demand on water resources and mitigate the impact of droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve Building Energy Efficiency

Near-term

Incentivize energy efficiency upgrades in buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy consumption.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Ashfield's Climate Risk Profile

Ashfield, located in the Inner West of Sydney, is primarily at risk from flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's urban environment and existing infrastructure are vulnerable to the impacts of increased rainfall intensity and rising temperatures.

Flooding is a significant concern, with potential for property damage and disruption to transport networks. Climate change projections indicate an increase in extreme rainfall events, which could overwhelm existing drainage systems and lead to more frequent and severe flooding.

Heatwaves pose a threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect can amplify temperatures in Ashfield, making it essential to implement strategies to mitigate heat stress and protect residents during extreme heat events.

While Ashfield is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased demand for resources, could indirectly affect the suburb.

Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures, including upgrading drainage infrastructure, increasing green spaces, and implementing energy efficiency programs.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · Inner West Council

Local Government Resources

Inner West Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Ashfield?

Ashfield is primarily at risk from flooding and heatwaves, with climate change expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events.

How will climate change affect property values in Ashfield?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions, while properties with good energy efficiency and climate resilience may become more desirable.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Ashfield?

The Inner West Council is implementing a range of climate adaptation and mitigation measures, including upgrading drainage infrastructure, increasing green spaces, and promoting energy efficiency.

How can I prepare my home for extreme weather events in Ashfield?

You can prepare your home by checking the flood history of the property, assessing its vulnerability to heatwaves, and considering energy efficiency upgrades.

Where can I find more information about climate change impacts in Ashfield?

You can find more information on the Inner West Council website, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website, and the CSIRO website.

Is Ashfield considered a bushfire-prone area?

While not a high-risk area, residents should still be aware of fire safety and maintain their properties to minimize potential risks.

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