Climate Risk Profile: Broke, NSW

Broke, New South Wales· Singleton· 2330
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Broke is a suburb in the Hunter Valley, NSW, facing increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves due to climate change. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather events.

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 Broke

increasing

Flood

60/100

Broke 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
  • ·Riverine flooding
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

The risk of bushfire in Broke is moderate, given the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures associated with climate change could exacerbate bushfire risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Broke 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

Broke 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 Broke

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Broke 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
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Broke 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
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Inadequate drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Broke is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The risk of bushfire in Broke is moderate, given the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures associated with climate change could exacerbate bushfire 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 flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be affected by increasing climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Consider energy efficiency and cooling options for heatwaves.
  • 4.Review insurance coverage for climate-related risks.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Wollombi Brook
Elevation Range
60-80m
Flood Zone
Potentially affected by riverine flooding

Historical flood data indicates past events have impacted low-lying areas near Wollombi Brook.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas
Planning Overlay
Refer to RFS NSW for bushfire prone area mapping
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area has a history of grass and bushfires, particularly during dry summers.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing health risks to vulnerable populations.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2007
floodModerate

Significant flooding along Wollombi Brook affected low-lying areas in Broke.

Source
2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the surrounding region caused smoke haze and elevated fire danger in Broke.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions led to increased heat stress and health concerns in Broke.

Source
2022
floodMajor

Severe flooding impacted Broke and surrounding areas, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure.

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)
heat707.7(+0.7)8.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Broke is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a heightened risk of flooding due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk is also expected to increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure improvements to mitigate flood risks, such as upgrading drainage systems and constructing levees.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as clearing vegetation around properties and developing community evacuation plans.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plan

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation practices to ensure a sustainable water supply during periods of drought and increased demand.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Broke's Climate Risk Profile

Broke, nestled in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, is a charming suburb known for its vineyards and rural lifestyle. However, like many regions, Broke is facing increasing challenges from climate change.

The primary concerns for Broke are the rising risks of flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's proximity to waterways makes it vulnerable to flooding, which is expected to worsen with increased rainfall intensity. Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and intense, posing health risks to residents, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

Bushfire risk is another factor to consider, as the surrounding bushland can become a fire hazard during dry periods. While Broke is not directly on the coast, 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 combination of individual actions and community-level initiatives. Residents can take steps to protect their homes from flooding and bushfires, while the local council can invest in infrastructure improvements and emergency preparedness programs. Collaboration and planning are essential to ensure a sustainable future for Broke.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · Singleton Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Broke?

The main climate change risks for Broke are increased flooding, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a higher risk of bushfires.

How will climate change affect property values in Broke?

Climate change may negatively impact property values in Broke due to increased risks of flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decline in value.

What can I do to protect my home from flooding in Broke?

To protect your home from flooding in Broke, you can elevate your property, install flood barriers, improve drainage, and purchase flood insurance.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Broke?

To prepare for heatwaves in Broke, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

What is the local council doing to address climate change in Broke?

The Singleton Council is developing and implementing climate change strategies to reduce emissions, improve resilience, and protect the community from climate-related risks. Check their website for details.

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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