Climate Risk Assessment for Bundagen, NSW

Bundagen, New South Wales· Bellingen· 2456
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Bundagen is a suburb in New South Wales that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are flooding and bushfires, with increasing risks from heatwaves and coastal hazards. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
4.0
Coastal
4.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Bundagen

increasing

Flood

60/100

Bundagen faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Bundagen has a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

40/100

Bundagen is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This could pose a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

40/100

Bundagen faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion. These risks are expected to increase over time.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 Bundagen

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

40/100

Bundagen is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This could pose a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Bundagen faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

40/100

Bundagen faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion. These risks are expected to increase over time.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Bundagen has a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to the increased risk of extreme weather events.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Bundagen Creek
Elevation Range
0-20 meters
Flood Zone
Low-lying areas near Bundagen Creek

Historical flood data indicates that parts of Bundagen are susceptible to inundation during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to significant bushland areas
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area has a history of bushfires, and residents are advised to maintain firebreaks and have evacuation plans.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
27.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
2 days

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase in the coming decades.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
2 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying coastal areas may be vulnerable to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Some coastal erosion is present along the coastline.

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Bundagen, impacting several homes and businesses.

Source
2019
bushfireMajor

A large bushfire threatened Bundagen, leading to evacuations and property damage.

Source
2020
stormModerate

A severe storm caused damage to trees and power lines in Bundagen, resulting in power outages.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave led to increased demand for electricity and put strain on vulnerable residents.

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)
bushfire707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
heat404.3(+0.3)4.7(+0.7)
coastal404.2(+0.2)4.5(+0.5)

By 2030, Bundagen is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and bushfire risk. Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement community education programs on bushfire preparedness and evacuation procedures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

Develop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Coastal Management Strategy

Long-term

Develop a long-term coastal management strategy to address the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Bundagen's Climate Risk Profile

Bundagen, located in New South Wales, is a suburb that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region is expected to experience more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including floods, bushfires, and heatwaves.

Flooding is a significant concern for Bundagen due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise are expected to exacerbate this risk. Residents should be aware of flood warnings and have a plan in place to evacuate if necessary.

Bushfires also pose a major threat to Bundagen, particularly during the summer months. The surrounding bushland provides ample fuel for fires, and drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires. Residents should clear vegetation around their homes and be prepared to evacuate if a fire threatens the area.

Heatwaves are another growing concern for Bundagen. As temperatures rise, vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions are at increased risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Residents should stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on their neighbors during heatwaves.

Coastal hazards, such as sea level rise and coastal erosion, also pose a threat to Bundagen. These risks are expected to increase over time, potentially impacting coastal properties and infrastructure.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · Bellingen Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Bundagen?

The main climate change risks in Bundagen are flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

How will climate change affect property values in Bundagen?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to the increased risk of extreme weather events.

What can I do to prepare for bushfires in Bundagen?

You can clear vegetation around your home, have a bushfire survival plan, and stay informed about fire danger ratings and warnings.

How can I protect myself during a heatwave in Bundagen?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Bundagen?

You can find information about flood risks on the Bellingen Shire Council website and the NSW State Emergency Service website.

Is Bundagen a good place to invest in property considering climate change?

It depends on the specific location and your risk tolerance. Properties in lower-risk areas may still be a good investment, but it's important to consider the potential impacts of climate change on property values and insurance costs.

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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