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Climate Risk Assessment for Bellawongarah, NSW

Bellawongarah, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Bellawongarah is a suburb in New South Wales that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are bushfire and flooding, with increasing heat also posing a threat. Coastal risks are minimal due to its inland location.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
4.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Bellawongarah

increasing

Flood

40/100

Bellawongarah faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential overflow from nearby creeks and waterways. Properties in low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development increasing runoff
stable

Bushfire

70/100

Bellawongarah has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to dense bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

40/100

Bellawongarah experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected in the future. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Bellawongarah has a low coastal risk due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to this suburb.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast
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 Bellawongarah

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

40/100

Bellawongarah experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected in the future. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.5

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Bellawongarah faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential overflow from nearby creeks and waterways. Properties in low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development increasing runoff

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Bellawongarah has a low coastal risk due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to this suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Bellawongarah has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to dense bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Strong winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to bushfire and flood risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price fluctuations.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood and bushfire risk maps
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to extreme weather
  • 3.Obtain adequate insurance coverage
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

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

Check with local council for specific flood zone information.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

Consult the NSW Rural Fire Service for detailed bushfire risk assessments.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
2 days

Monitor BOM for heatwave warnings and advice.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted the region surrounding Bellawongarah, requiring evacuations and property protection efforts.

Source
2016
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in Bellawongarah, affecting some residential areas.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Bellawongarah experienced a prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several days.

Source
2020
bushfireMajor

The Black Summer bushfires had a significant impact on the region, with widespread smoke and elevated fire danger.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.5(+0.5)5.0(+1.0)
bushfire707.07.0
heat404.5(+0.5)5.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Bellawongarah is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by more frequent and intense rainfall events and heatwaves. Bushfire risk remains high.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood-proofing measures for vulnerable properties.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Conduct regular bushfire risk assessments and implement fuel reduction programs in surrounding bushland.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Near-term

Establish cooling centers and provide public awareness campaigns on heat safety during heatwave events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Strengthen Community Resilience

Long-term

Promote community-based disaster preparedness programs and build social networks to support vulnerable residents.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Bellawongarah's Climate Risk Profile

Bellawongarah, NSW, is exposed to several climate-related risks that are projected to intensify in the coming decades. Bushfire risk is particularly high due to the surrounding bushland, with potential for significant property damage and community disruption during severe fire seasons. Residents should maintain awareness of fire safety guidelines and preparedness measures.

Flooding is another concern, especially in low-lying areas near creeks and waterways. Increased rainfall intensity could lead to more frequent and severe flooding events, impacting homes, businesses, and infrastructure. It is important to understand local flood risks and have appropriate insurance coverage.

Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a growing threat to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Ensuring access to cooling centers and implementing heat management strategies are crucial for protecting public health.

While coastal risks are low, the overall climate risk profile of Bellawongarah necessitates proactive adaptation measures. These include strengthening infrastructure, improving emergency response capabilities, and promoting community resilience. Addressing these challenges will be essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability and livability of the suburb.

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

Local Government Resources

UNKNOWN

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Bellawongarah?

The main risks are increased bushfire danger, more frequent flooding, and more intense heatwaves.

How can I prepare my home for bushfires in Bellawongarah?

Clear vegetation around your home, have a bushfire survival plan, and ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.

What should I do during a flood in Bellawongarah?

Stay informed about flood warnings, move to higher ground if necessary, and avoid driving through floodwaters.

Where can I find information about emergency services in Bellawongarah?

Visit the NSW Emergency Services website for contact details and emergency information.

How will climate change affect property values in Bellawongarah?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price fluctuations due to increased insurance costs and potential damage from extreme weather events.

Get your property's risk report

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