Climate Risk Assessment for Benolong, NSW

Benolong, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Benolong faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.5
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Benolong

increasing

Flood

45/100

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

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Benolong has a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Higher temperatures
increasing

Heat

50/100

Benolong is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Benolong is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

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 Benolong

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Benolong is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

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

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Benolong is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Benolong has a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Higher temperatures
  • ·Proximity to bushland

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 the rising risks of flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves.

Price Impact

Property values may be negatively impacted by the increasing climate risks, particularly for properties in high-risk areas.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and ensure property is adequately protected.
  • 3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on property comfort and energy costs.
  • 4.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Macquarie River
Elevation Range
250-300m
Flood Zone
Potentially affected areas near the Macquarie River

Historical flood data indicates that the area has experienced flooding in the past, and future events are likely to be more severe due to climate change.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is designated as bushfire prone, requiring properties to adhere to specific building standards and vegetation management practices.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

The average maximum temperature in January is expected to increase, leading to more frequent and intense heat stress events.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

The Macquarie River experienced moderate flooding, affecting low-lying areas in and around Benolong.

Source
2013
bushfireModerate

A bushfire near Benolong caused property damage and required evacuations.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in heat stress and health concerns for vulnerable residents.

Source
2019
droughtMajor

Severe drought conditions impacted agriculture and water resources in the region.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood454.8(+0.3)5.1(+0.6)
bushfire606.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)
heat505.6(+0.6)6.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Benolong is projected to experience increased risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves under a high emissions scenario. Rainfall intensity is expected to increase, leading to more frequent and severe flood events. Drier conditions and higher temperatures will exacerbate bushfire risk, while heatwaves will become more common and intense.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risks, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire mitigation strategies, including vegetation management and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plan

Near-term

Create a heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable populations, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to address drought risks and ensure water security.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Benolong's Climate Risk Profile

Benolong, located in New South Wales, is exposed to several climate-related risks. The primary concerns are flooding due to increased rainfall intensity, bushfires exacerbated by drier conditions and higher temperatures, and heatwaves that can impact public health.

The risk of flooding is moderate, with potential for increased rainfall intensity leading to more frequent and severe flood events. The proximity to waterways and low-lying areas further contributes to this risk. Residents should stay informed about flood warnings and take necessary precautions.

Bushfire risk is high due to the surrounding bushland. Climate change is expected to worsen bushfire conditions, increasing the frequency and intensity of fires. Property owners should maintain their properties and have a bushfire survival plan in place.

Heatwaves are also a growing concern, with rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. This can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. It is important to stay hydrated and take measures to stay cool during heatwaves.

While Benolong is not directly exposed to coastal risks, the overall impact of climate change requires proactive adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect the community and its assets.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · Dubbo Regional Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Benolong?

Benolong faces risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires?

Clear vegetation around your property, maintain gutters, and have a bushfire survival plan in place.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay hydrated, stay cool, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Benolong?

You can find flood maps and information on the Dubbo Regional Council website.

How is the council addressing climate change?

The Dubbo Regional Council is developing and implementing strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts.

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