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Climate Risk Assessment: Bournewood, NSW

Bournewood, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Bournewood faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and take steps to mitigate their impact.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Bournewood

increasing

Flood

60/100

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

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

Bushfire risk in Bournewood is relatively low due to the lack of extensive bushland areas. However, dry conditions and increased temperatures can elevate the risk during peak fire seasons.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Bournewood is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer months.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risk is minimal in Bournewood due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to the 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 Bournewood

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

70/100

Bournewood is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer months.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

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

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risk is minimal in Bournewood due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to the suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Bushfire risk in Bournewood is relatively low due to the lack of extensive bushland areas. However, dry conditions and increased temperatures can elevate the risk during peak fire seasons.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation dryness

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 flood and heatwave 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 property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local Creek
Elevation Range
50-70m
Flood Zone
Partially within flood zone

Some areas near the creek are prone to flash flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
5km
Planning Overlay
Not significantly affected
Bushfire Prone Area
No

Limited bushfire risk due to urban development.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Heat stress is becoming a more significant concern for vulnerable residents.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in low-lying areas of Bournewood, resulting in property damage and road closures.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in January 2013 led to increased hospital admissions and strain on the electricity grid.

Source
2016
stormMinor

A severe thunderstorm caused localized flooding and power outages in Bournewood.

Source
2020
heatwaveModerate

Another heatwave event impacted Bournewood, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days.

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)
bushfire404.2(+0.2)4.5(+0.5)
heat707.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Bournewood 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.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Establish Cooling Centers

Immediate

Create designated cooling centers for vulnerable residents to seek refuge during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Implement water conservation measures to reduce strain on water resources during prolonged dry periods.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Near-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation strategies through workshops and online resources.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Bournewood's Climate Risk Profile

Bournewood, NSW, is projected to experience increasing climate-related challenges in the coming decades. The primary risks stem from more intense rainfall events leading to flooding, and rising average temperatures resulting in more frequent and severe heatwaves.

Flood risk is expected to increase due to climate change-induced changes in rainfall patterns. More intense storms and heavier downpours will likely overwhelm existing drainage infrastructure, leading to property damage and disruption to daily life. Residents should stay informed about flood warnings and take necessary precautions to protect their homes and businesses.

Heatwaves are also a growing concern for Bournewood. As average temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves will increase, posing a significant threat to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Access to cooling centers and strategies for staying cool during extreme heat events will become increasingly important.

While bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other parts of NSW, it is still important to remain vigilant, especially during dry periods. Maintaining vegetation around properties and having a bushfire survival plan in place can help reduce the risk of property damage and ensure personal safety.

Coastal risks are minimal for Bournewood due to its inland location. However, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and economic activity, could still affect the suburb.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW State Emergency Service · NSW Rural Fire Service · NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Local Government Resources

Local Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Bournewood?

The main climate risks are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall and more frequent and severe heatwaves.

How will climate change affect property values in Bournewood?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price stagnation or decline. Overall, insurance premiums may increase due to flood and heatwave risks.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The council is developing a climate strategy to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes upgrading drainage infrastructure and establishing cooling centers.

How can I prepare my home for more frequent heatwaves?

Consider installing energy-efficient air conditioning, improving insulation, and planting trees to provide shade. Also, ensure you have a plan for staying cool during extreme heat events.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Bournewood?

You can find flood maps and information on the council's website and the NSW State Emergency Service website.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Bournewood, use our analysis tool.

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