Climate Risk Assessment for Bukalong, NSW

Bukalong, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Bukalong faces 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

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Bukalong

increasing

Flood

60/100

Bukalong 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
  • ·Proximity to waterways
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

Bukalong has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Higher temperatures
increasing

Heat

60/100

Bukalong 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

Bukalong 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 Bukalong

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Bukalong 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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Bukalong 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
  • ·Proximity to waterways
  • ·Low-lying areas

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Bukalong is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Bukalong has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Higher temperatures
  • ·Surrounding vegetation

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 increased flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

Property values may be affected by increased climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and property maintenance requirements.
  • 3.Consider energy efficiency and cooling options for heatwaves.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Numeralla River
Elevation Range
600-700m
Flood Zone
Potentially affected

The Numeralla River can experience rapid rises in water levels during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas with significant vegetation are designated as bushfire prone.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
28.5°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

2012
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused the Numeralla River to flood, impacting low-lying areas.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the region caused smoke haze and increased fire danger.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave led to increased heat stress and health concerns.

Source
2020
floodMinor

Localized flooding occurred after a period of heavy rainfall.

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)
heat606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Bukalong is projected to experience a notable increase in flood and heatwave risks. Bushfire risk will also slightly increase. Coastal risks remain minimal.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Construct levees and improve drainage systems to mitigate flood risks.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement stricter building codes for fire resistance and improve vegetation management.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plans

Immediate

Establish cooling centers and provide public awareness campaigns on heat safety.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade Infrastructure

Long-term

Ensure critical infrastructure is resilient to extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

About Bukalong's Climate Risk Profile

Bukalong, NSW, is a region that will be increasingly affected by climate change. The primary risks are associated with increased flooding due to more intense rainfall events, and more frequent and severe heatwaves. Bushfire risk is also a factor due to surrounding vegetation and drier conditions.

The changing climate is expected to bring higher average temperatures, leading to more heat stress events. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, will be particularly at risk. It is important to take measures to mitigate the impacts of heat, such as staying hydrated and seeking air-conditioned environments during heatwaves.

Increased rainfall intensity is expected to exacerbate flood risks. Properties in low-lying areas or near waterways are particularly vulnerable. Residents should be aware of flood warnings and have a plan in place in case of evacuation.

Bushfire risk is also expected to increase due to drier conditions and higher temperatures. Residents should maintain their properties to reduce fuel loads and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

While coastal risks are minimal, the overall impact of climate change on Bukalong is significant and requires proactive adaptation measures.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Bukalong?

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

How will climate change affect property values in Bukalong?

Increased climate risks may negatively impact property values, particularly for properties in flood-prone or bushfire-prone areas.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Bukalong?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Bukalong?

You can find flood maps and information on the NSW Government and local council websites.

How can I protect my home from bushfires in Bukalong?

Maintain your property by clearing vegetation, installing fire-resistant materials, and having a bushfire survival plan.

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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