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Climate Risk in Bendalong, New South Wales

Bendalong, New South Wales· Shoalhaven· 2539
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Bendalong is a coastal suburb in New South Wales that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are flooding, bushfires, heatwaves and coastal erosion, which are projected to increase in severity over the coming decades. Residents should take proactive measures to adapt to these changing conditions.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
4.0
Coastal
5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Bendalong

increasing

Flood

60/100

Bendalong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to waterways. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Bendalong has a high bushfire risk due to its location surrounded by bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

40/100

Bendalong experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This could impact vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

50/100

Bendalong faces a moderate coastal risk due to sea level rise and potential erosion. This could impact coastal properties and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
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 Bendalong

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

Bendalong experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This could impact vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Bendalong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to waterways. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Inadequate drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Bendalong faces a moderate coastal risk due to sea level rise and potential erosion. This could impact coastal properties and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Bendalong has a high bushfire risk due to its location surrounded by bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone areas.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Bendalong Creek
Elevation Range
0-20m
Flood Zone
Yes

Low-lying areas near the creek are most vulnerable.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

The suburb is surrounded by dense bushland, increasing bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
27.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Moderate
Erosion Risk
Moderate

Historical Climate Events

2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted the region, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source
2016
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas, disrupting transport and damaging property.

Source
2019
bushfireMajor

The Currowan bushfire severely impacted the region, causing widespread damage and evacuations.

Source
2020
floodModerate

Flooding occurred in the Shoalhaven region due to heavy rainfall events.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
bushfire707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
heat404.5(+0.5)5.0(+1.0)
coastal505.5(+0.5)6.0(+1.0)

By 2030, Bendalong is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with higher temperatures, more intense rainfall events, and rising sea levels.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Management

Immediate

Implement vegetation management strategies to reduce fuel loads and create firebreaks.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Coastal Protection

Long-term

Invest in coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to mitigate erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Community Education

Near-term

Raise awareness about climate risks and adaptation measures through community workshops and information campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Emergency Preparedness

Immediate

Develop and regularly update emergency response plans to ensure community readiness for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Bendalong's Climate Risk Profile

Bendalong, located on the South Coast of New South Wales, is exposed to a range of climate-related risks. The suburb's low-lying areas make it susceptible to flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and storm surges. The surrounding bushland also poses a significant bushfire threat, especially during the dry summer months.

Rising temperatures are expected to lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, which could strain infrastructure and impact public health. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are also concerns, potentially affecting beachfront properties and coastal ecosystems.

Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated effort from residents, local government, and emergency services. Implementing adaptation measures, such as improving drainage infrastructure, managing vegetation, and developing emergency response plans, is crucial to building resilience.

Understanding the specific risks and taking proactive steps can help protect the community and minimize the impacts of climate change in Bendalong. Staying informed about weather forecasts and emergency warnings is also essential for ensuring safety.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW SES · Shoalhaven City Council

Local Government Resources

Shoalhaven City Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Bendalong?

The main climate risks in Bendalong include flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These risks are projected to increase in severity due to climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Bendalong?

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

What can I do to protect my home from bushfires?

You can reduce your home's vulnerability to bushfires by clearing vegetation around your property, installing fire-resistant materials, and having a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a flood?

During a flood, it is important to stay informed about weather warnings, move to higher ground, and avoid driving or walking through floodwaters.

How can I prepare for a heatwave?

To prepare for a heatwave, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about local emergency services?

Information about local emergency services can be found on the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) website.

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$300B+
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30-120%
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Climate Risk Profile for Bendalong, NSW | ClimateNest