Climate Risk in Berrigan, New South Wales

Berrigan, New South Wales· Berrigan Shire Council· 2712
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Berrigan faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also present. Climate change is projected to increase these risks, particularly flooding and heat. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Berrigan

increasing

Flood

60/100

Berrigan faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Murray River and local rainfall events. The risk is expected to increase with climate change.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

The area around Berrigan has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and forested areas. Hot, dry summers contribute to the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

60/100

Berrigan experiences high temperatures during summer, leading to heatwave conditions. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

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

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 Berrigan

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Berrigan experiences high temperatures during summer, leading to heatwave conditions. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.5

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Berrigan faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Murray River and local rainfall events. The risk is expected to increase with climate change.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Inadequate drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

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

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The area around Berrigan has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and forested areas. Hot, dry summers contribute to the risk.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to the rising risk of flooding and bushfires.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider the potential impact of climate change on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Murray River
Elevation Range
120-130m
Flood Zone
Areas adjacent to the Murray River are prone to flooding.

Historical flood events have impacted Berrigan, highlighting the need for effective flood management strategies.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 5km of forested areas.
Planning Overlay
NSW Rural Fire Service Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should be aware of the bushfire risk and take necessary precautions, especially during summer.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Heatwaves can pose a significant health risk, particularly to vulnerable populations.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodModerate

Significant flooding along the Murray River impacted Berrigan, causing property damage and disrupting transportation.

Source
2006
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding in the Berrigan area, affecting agricultural land and infrastructure.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Berrigan experienced a prolonged heatwave with record-breaking temperatures, leading to heat stress and health concerns.

Source
2020
droughtModerate

Prolonged drought conditions impacted agricultural production and water resources in the Berrigan region.

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)
bushfire404.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
heat606.7(+0.7)7.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Berrigan is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and flooding events. Bushfire risk is also expected to rise slightly. Adaptation measures are needed to mitigate these impacts.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees, drainage improvements, and flood-proofing of buildings.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as fuel reduction programs, community education, and improved fire response capabilities.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Action Plan

Immediate

Create a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations, including establishing cooling centers, providing public awareness campaigns, and ensuring access to healthcare.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Implement water conservation measures to address drought risks, such as promoting water-efficient landscaping, rainwater harvesting, and water restrictions during dry periods.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Support Sustainable Agriculture

Long-term

Encourage sustainable agricultural practices to reduce the impact of climate change on farming, such as drought-resistant crops, soil conservation, and efficient irrigation techniques.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Berrigan's Climate Risk Profile

Berrigan, located in the southern Riverina region of New South Wales, is susceptible to several climate-related hazards. The primary concern is flooding from the Murray River and local rainfall, which can inundate low-lying areas and disrupt infrastructure. The risk of flooding is expected to increase due to more intense rainfall events associated with climate change.

Bushfire risk is also a factor, particularly during the hot, dry summer months. The surrounding grasslands and forested areas provide fuel for potential fires, and increased temperatures and drier conditions are likely to exacerbate this risk. Residents should maintain their properties to reduce fuel loads and be prepared for bushfire emergencies.

Heatwaves are another significant concern, with Berrigan experiencing high temperatures during summer. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. It is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on elderly or ill neighbors during heatwaves.

While Berrigan is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to agriculture and water resources, could affect the region. Adapting to these changes will require a coordinated effort from local government, businesses, and residents.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · Berrigan Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Berrigan?

The main climate risks in Berrigan are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase with climate change.

How can I prepare for flooding in Berrigan?

You can prepare for flooding by checking flood maps, having an emergency plan, and ensuring your property is adequately insured.

What should I do during a heatwave in Berrigan?

During a heatwave, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on elderly or ill neighbors.

How is the Berrigan Shire Council addressing climate change?

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

Where can I find more information about bushfire safety in Berrigan?

You can find more information about bushfire safety on the NSW Rural Fire Service website.

Are there any community initiatives to address climate change in Berrigan?

Yes, there are several community initiatives focused on sustainability and environmental protection. Contact the Berrigan Shire Council for more information.

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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