Climate Risk in Bearbong, New South Wales

Bearbong, New South Wales
High Risk
Updated May 2026

Bearbong faces significant climate risks, particularly from bushfires, heatwaves and flooding. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change. Residents should take steps to prepare for these hazards.

Overall Risk Score

72/100
High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
8.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
2.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Bearbong

increasing

Flood

65/100

Bearbong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Low-lying topography
increasing

Bushfire

80/100

Bearbong has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Hotter and drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Bearbong is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
stable

Coastal

20/100

Bearbong is not located near the coast and has a low risk from coastal hazards.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from the coast
stable

Wind

40/100

Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts

stable

Storm

55/100

Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail

stable

Social

30/100

Moderate social stability — mixed urban density

increasing

Energy

50/100

Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Bearbong

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Bearbong is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.3

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Bearbong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Low-lying topography
  • ·Proximity to waterways

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.8

Data source

coastal Risk

20/100

Bearbong is not located near the coast and has a low risk from coastal hazards.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from the coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

2.0

2050

2.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

80/100

Bearbong has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Hotter and drier conditions
  • ·Increased fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.5

2050

9.2

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 flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Obtain insurance quotes and understand policy exclusions.
  • 4.Consider the long-term climate risks when making a purchase decision.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local Creeks
Elevation Range
200-250m
Flood Zone
Low-lying areas near creeks

Historical flood data indicates that properties near the creek are most vulnerable.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to large areas of bushland
Planning Overlay
RFS Bushfire Prone Land Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area has a history of bushfires, with several major events in recent decades.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
33.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase significantly.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2019
bushfireMajor

A major bushfire swept through the region, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding, inundating homes and businesses.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in record-breaking temperatures and increased demand for emergency services.

Source
2023
floodMinor

Localized flooding occurred after a period of heavy rainfall, affecting some low-lying areas.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.1(+0.6)
bushfire808.7(+0.7)9.4(+1.4)
heat707.6(+0.6)8.0(+1.0)
coastal202.02.0

By 2030, Bearbong is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of bushfires and heatwaves. Flooding risk will also increase due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as clearing vegetation around homes and developing evacuation plans.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade Flood Defenses

Near-term

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

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

Implement a heatwave management plan to protect vulnerable populations during periods of extreme heat.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce water stress during periods of drought.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Bearbong's Climate Risk Profile

Bearbong is a rural locality in New South Wales that is vulnerable to several climate-related hazards. The primary risks are bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. The region's proximity to bushland increases the risk of bushfires, especially during hot, dry periods. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these conditions, leading to more frequent and intense bushfires.

Flooding is another significant concern for Bearbong. Heavy rainfall events can cause rivers and creeks to overflow, inundating low-lying areas. The risk of flooding is projected to increase as climate change leads to more intense rainfall events. Residents and businesses should be prepared for potential flooding and take steps to protect their property.

Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and intense in Bearbong. High temperatures can pose a health risk, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. It is important to stay hydrated, seek shade, and avoid strenuous activity during heatwaves.

While Bearbong is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, climate change impacts such as sea level rise can indirectly affect the region through changes in weather patterns and increased storm intensity. It is crucial for the community to adapt to these changing conditions and implement measures to mitigate the risks.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Bearbong?

The main climate change risks in Bearbong are bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How can I prepare my home for a bushfire?

You can prepare your home for a bushfire by clearing vegetation around your home, installing a sprinkler system, and developing an evacuation plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

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

Where can I find information about flood risks in Bearbong?

You can find information about flood risks in Bearbong on the local council's website and the NSW State Emergency Service website.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The council is developing a climate strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Get your property's risk report

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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