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PROPERTY ANALYTICS

Climate Risk Assessment for Bathurst, NSW

Bathurst, New South Wales· Bathurst Regional· 2795
High Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Bathurst faces increasing risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves due to climate change. The town's location on the Macquarie River floodplain makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

6.8/10
High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
7.5
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

7.0/10

Bathurst is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. Climate change is projected to lead to more extreme heat events, posing risks to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

7.5/10

Bathurst faces a notable risk of flooding due to its location on the Macquarie River floodplain. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.0

2050

8.5

Data source

coastal Risk

1.0/10

Bathurst is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

6.0/10

Bushfire risk in Bathurst is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry periods and heatwaves. Climate change is projected to lengthen the fire season and increase the severity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to increased flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
  • 3.Consider the cost of insurance and potential for increased premiums.
  • 4.Inquire about council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Macquarie River
Elevation Range
670m - 720m
Flood Zone
Yes

The Macquarie River regularly floods, impacting low-lying areas of Bathurst.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland reserves
Planning Overlay
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas surrounding Bathurst are designated as bushfire prone.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
28.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Bathurst experiences several days above 35°C each summer.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

Major flooding of the Macquarie River caused widespread damage in Bathurst.

Source
2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfires threatened properties on the outskirts of Bathurst.

Source
2017
floodModerate

Significant flooding along the Macquarie River impacted low-lying areas.

Source
2019
droughtModerate

Prolonged drought conditions impacted agriculture and water supplies.

Source
2023
floodMajor

Severe flooding along the Macquarie River resulted in evacuations and significant property damage.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood7.58.0(+0.5)8.5(+1.0)
bushfire6.06.3(+0.3)6.7(+0.7)
heat7.07.7(+0.7)8.5(+1.5)
coastal1.01.01.0

By 2030, Bathurst is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, increased bushfire risk, and a higher likelihood of flooding events. Adaptation measures will be crucial to mitigate these impacts.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in infrastructure to protect properties from flooding, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Management

Near-term

Implement regular bushfire fuel reduction programs and improve community awareness of bushfire risks.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Preparedness

Immediate

Develop and implement heatwave response plans to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Water Conservation

Long-term

Promote water conservation measures to ensure water security during periods of drought.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education

Near-term

Educate the community about climate change risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Bathurst's Climate Risk Profile

Bathurst is a regional city in New South Wales, located on the Macquarie River. The city's climate is characterized by warm summers and cool winters.

Climate change is expected to exacerbate existing climate risks in Bathurst. Increased rainfall intensity will likely lead to more frequent and severe flooding events. Higher temperatures and drier conditions will increase the risk of bushfires. Heatwaves are also projected to become more common and intense.

The local council and emergency services are working to mitigate these risks through various adaptation measures. These include improving flood defenses, managing bushfire fuel loads, and implementing heatwave response plans.

Residents can also take steps to protect themselves and their properties from climate change impacts. This includes preparing for floods and bushfires, conserving water, and reducing energy consumption.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW SES · Bathurst Regional Council

Local Government Resources

Bathurst Regional Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Bathurst?

The main climate change risks in Bathurst are increased flooding, bushfire risk, and more frequent and intense heatwaves.

How is the council preparing for climate change?

The Bathurst Regional Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation plans to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

What can I do to protect my property from flooding?

You can take steps to protect your property from flooding by elevating your home, installing flood barriers, and ensuring your property is properly insured.

How can I prepare for a bushfire?

You can prepare for a bushfire by clearing vegetation around your home, developing a bushfire survival plan, and having a well-stocked emergency kit.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, it is important to stay hydrated, stay cool, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Bathurst?

You can find more information about climate change in Bathurst on the Bathurst Regional Council website and the websites of relevant state government agencies.

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