Climate Risk Assessment for Bowning, NSW

Bowning, New South Wales· Yass Valley· 2582
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Bowning faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change. While coastal risks are minimal, the community should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

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 Bowning

increasing

Flood

65/100

Bowning faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Bowning Creek and surrounding waterways. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in river flow
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

Bowning has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of surrounding bushland. Hotter and drier conditions caused by climate change are projected to increase the likelihood and severity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier vegetation
increasing

Heat

50/100

Bowning is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves as a result of climate change. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Bowning is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion. However, changes in rainfall patterns and extreme weather events could indirectly affect the region.

Key drivers:

  • ·N/A
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 Bowning

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Bowning is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves as a result of climate change. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Bowning faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Bowning Creek and surrounding waterways. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in river flow
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Bowning is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion. However, changes in rainfall patterns and extreme weather events could indirectly affect the region.

Primary Drivers

  • ·N/A

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Bowning has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of surrounding bushland. Hotter and drier conditions caused by climate change are projected to increase the likelihood and severity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Stronger winds

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 bushfire prone land maps.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
  • 3.Consider the cost of insurance and potential increases in premiums.
  • 4.Inquire about the property's history of flooding and bushfires.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Bowning Creek
Elevation Range
520-580m
Flood Zone
Areas adjacent to Bowning Creek are prone to flooding.

Historical flood data indicates that Bowning Creek has a history of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas.
Planning Overlay
Refer to NSW RFS bushfire prone land maps.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is subject to bushfire management strategies.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in the region.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused Bowning Creek to flood, inundating low-lying areas and disrupting traffic.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the surrounding region caused smoky conditions and prompted evacuation warnings for Bowning residents.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in record-breaking temperatures and increased demand for electricity.

Source
2022
floodModerate

Significant flooding impacted the region, causing road closures and property damage in Bowning.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood657.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire404.3(+0.3)4.7(+0.7)
heat505.4(+0.4)5.9(+0.9)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Bowning is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, driven primarily by increased flooding and heatwave risks. Bushfire risk is also expected to increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees, drainage improvements, and flood-proofing buildings.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire management strategies, such as controlled burns, vegetation clearing, and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Response Plan

Immediate

Create a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public health information.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation practices to reduce water stress during periods of drought and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Bowning's Climate Risk Profile

Bowning, NSW, is a small rural village located in the Yass Valley region. The primary climate risks for Bowning include flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is projected to exacerbate these risks, potentially impacting the community's infrastructure, economy, and way of life.

Flooding is a significant concern for Bowning due to its proximity to Bowning Creek. Increased rainfall intensity could lead to more frequent and severe flooding events, damaging homes, businesses, and agricultural land. Bushfire risk is also present due to the surrounding bushland. Hotter and drier conditions could increase the likelihood of bushfires, threatening lives and property.

Heatwaves are another growing concern for Bowning. Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves could pose a health risk to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. It is important for residents to take precautions during heatwaves, such as staying hydrated and seeking air-conditioned environments.

While Bowning does not face direct coastal risks, the community should be aware of the potential indirect impacts of climate change, such as changes in rainfall patterns and extreme weather events. By taking proactive steps to adapt to climate change, Bowning can build a more resilient and sustainable future.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · Yass Valley Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Bowning?

The main climate change risks for Bowning are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Bowning?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value due to the increased risk of flooding. Insurance premiums may also increase due to the rising risk of flooding and bushfires.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Bowning?

Yass Valley Council is developing and implementing climate change strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Refer to the council's website for more information.

How can I prepare my home for flooding in Bowning?

You can prepare your home for flooding by flood-proofing your property, elevating appliances, and creating a flood emergency plan. Contact the council for more information on flood preparedness.

What should I do during a heatwave in Bowning?

During a heatwave, it is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members. Refer to NSW Health for more information on heatwave safety.

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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