Climate Risk in Berthong, New South Wales

Berthong, New South Wales· Temora
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Berthong faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also present. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly increasing the intensity and frequency of heatwaves and flooding events. Residents should prepare for these changes and take steps to mitigate their impact.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Berthong

increasing

Flood

65/100

Berthong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and relatively flat terrain. Local rainfall events can quickly inundate low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
stable

Bushfire

40/100

The area around Berthong has a moderate bushfire risk, particularly during dry summers. Grasslands and nearby wooded areas contribute to the potential for fire spread.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

50/100

Berthong experiences periods of high heat, especially during the summer months. These heat events are projected to become more frequent and intense.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Berthong is located inland and does not face any direct 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 Berthong

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Berthong experiences periods of high heat, especially during the summer months. These heat events are projected to become more frequent and intense.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Berthong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and relatively flat terrain. Local rainfall events can quickly inundate low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
  • ·Aging drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Berthong is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The area around Berthong has a moderate bushfire risk, particularly during dry summers. Grasslands and nearby wooded areas contribute to the potential for fire spread.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and mitigation measures.
  • 3.Consider energy efficiency for heatwave resilience.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Bundidgerry Creek
Elevation Range
200-220m
Flood Zone
Low-lying areas near Bundidgerry Creek

Historical records indicate past flooding events impacting properties near the creek.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 2km of significant grassland areas
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties on the outskirts of Berthong are more vulnerable to bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

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

Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused Bundidgerry Creek to flood, impacting some properties in low-lying areas.

Source
2017
bushfireMinor

A grassfire near Berthong was quickly contained by fire services.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Berthong experienced a prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several days.

Source
2022
floodModerate

Significant rainfall led to localized flooding, affecting roads and some residential areas.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.1(+0.6)
bushfire404.1(+0.1)4.2(+0.2)
heat505.6(+0.6)6.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Berthong is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a moderate increase in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk is expected to remain relatively stable.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade and maintain drainage systems to reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

Implement strategies to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, such as cooling centers and community outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness Education

Near-term

Provide residents with information and resources on how to prepare for and respond to bushfires.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents to conserve water to mitigate the impacts of drought and water scarcity.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Berthong's Climate Risk Profile

Berthong, NSW, is a small rural community that faces a range of climate-related challenges. The primary concerns are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Due to its location and topography, Berthong is susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding.

Bushfires are another significant risk, particularly during the dry summer months. The surrounding grasslands and wooded areas can provide fuel for fires, and strong winds can quickly spread flames. While the risk is moderate, residents should remain vigilant and prepared.

Heatwaves are also a growing concern. As global temperatures rise, Berthong is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, which can pose a significant health risk, especially to vulnerable populations. The impact of climate change on heatwaves is a major concern for the community.

While Berthong is not located near the coast, it is still important to consider the broader impacts of climate change. Changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and extreme weather events can all have cascading effects on the local economy and environment. Adaptation measures are essential to protect the community and ensure its long-term sustainability.

Addressing these challenges will require a coordinated effort from local government, community organizations, and individual residents. By working together, Berthong can build resilience and adapt to the changing climate.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Berthong?

Berthong faces risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to be exacerbated by climate change.

How is the local council addressing climate change?

Temora Shire Council is developing and implementing strategies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including improving drainage infrastructure and promoting water conservation.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves?

Residents can stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.

How can I protect my property from bushfires?

Residents can clear vegetation around their homes, maintain firebreaks, and have a bushfire survival plan in place.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Berthong?

Information about flood risks can be found on the Temora Shire Council website and the NSW State Emergency Service website.

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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