Climate Risk Assessment: Belanglo, NSW

Belanglo, New South Wales· Wingecarribee

Medium Risk

Updated May 2026

Belanglo faces moderate climate risks, particularly from bushfires and increasing temperatures. Flooding is also a concern due to local waterways. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

4.0

Bushfire

7.0

Heat

5.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Belanglo

increasing

Flood

40/100

Belanglo faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and nearby waterways. Properties close to these waterways are more vulnerable.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Belanglo has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to extensive bushland. Dry conditions and strong winds exacerbate the risk during bushfire season.

Key drivers:

·Dry vegetation
·High temperatures

increasing

Heat

50/100

Belanglo experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected in the future.

Key drivers:

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Belanglo is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards.

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 Belanglo

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs

Insurance Costs

Premium estimates and insurance availability

Investment Score

Climate-adjusted property investment analysis

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Belanglo experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected in the future.

Primary Drivers

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Belanglo faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and nearby waterways. Properties close to these waterways are more vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Belanglo is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Belanglo has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to extensive bushland. Dry conditions and strong winds exacerbate the risk during bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

·Dry vegetation
·High temperatures
·Strong winds
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the elevated bushfire and flood risks.

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 extreme weather events.
3.Obtain a comprehensive building inspection.
4.Review insurance options and costs.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Wingecarribee River
Elevation Range: 600-700m
Flood Zone: Areas near the Wingecarribee River are prone to flooding.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Adjacent to Belanglo State Forest
Planning Overlay: RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 26.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 2 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 100 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not applicable
Erosion Risk: Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2019

bushfireMajor

The 2019-2020 bushfires significantly impacted the region, with widespread smoke and some property damage in surrounding areas.

Source

2016

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Wingecarribee River, affecting some low-lying properties.

Source

2013

bushfireModerate

A bushfire near Belanglo State Forest threatened properties, requiring firefighting efforts.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	40	4.5(+0.5)	5.0(+1.0)
bushfire	70	7.5(+0.5)	8.0(+1.0)
heat	50	5.5(+0.5)	6.0(+1.0)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Belanglo is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood, bushfire, and heat risks. Adaptation measures will be crucial to mitigate these impacts.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire management plans, clear vegetation around properties, and ensure access to water for firefighting.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance Flood Defenses

Near-term

Install flood barriers, improve drainage systems, and relocate vulnerable infrastructure away from flood-prone areas.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect

Long-term

Plant trees, install green roofs, and use reflective building materials to reduce temperatures in urban areas.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Strengthen Community Resilience

Immediate

Develop community emergency plans, provide education and training on climate risks, and support vulnerable populations.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Belanglo's Climate Risk Profile

Belanglo, located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. The suburb's proximity to extensive bushland elevates the bushfire risk, especially during dry periods.

Flooding is a concern due to the presence of local waterways and increased rainfall intensity. Properties near these waterways are particularly susceptible. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a threat to vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect can further amplify these impacts. Residents should take steps to mitigate these risks, such as improving home insulation and planting trees.

Adapting to these changes is crucial for ensuring the long-term resilience of Belanglo. This includes implementing effective bushfire management strategies, improving flood defenses, and promoting sustainable development practices.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · Wingecarribee Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Wingecarribee Shire Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Belanglo?

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

How can I prepare my property for bushfires?

You can prepare your property for bushfires by clearing vegetation around your home, installing firebreaks, and having a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Belanglo?

You can find information about flood risks in Belanglo on the Wingecarribee Shire Council website and the NSW State Emergency Service website.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The Wingecarribee Shire Council is developing and implementing climate change strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.