Climate Risk in Bunyah, NSW

Bunyah, New South Wales· Mid-Coast· 2424
High Risk
Updated May 2026

Bunyah is a suburb in the Mid-Coast region of New South Wales, facing increasing risks from bushfires, floods, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

72/100
High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
8.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
2.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Bunyah

increasing

Flood

65/100

Bunyah faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to localized flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

80/100

Bunyah is at high risk of bushfires due to the surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds exacerbate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

60/100

Bunyah experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves expected in the future.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

20/100

Bunyah is not directly exposed to coastal risks, but sea level rise and coastal erosion may have indirect impacts.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Wind

40/100

Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts

stable

Storm

55/100

Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail

stable

Social

30/100

Moderate social stability — mixed urban density

increasing

Energy

50/100

Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Bunyah

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Bunyah experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves expected in the future.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Bunyah faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to localized flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

20/100

Bunyah is not directly exposed to coastal risks, but sea level rise and coastal erosion may have indirect impacts.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

2.0

2050

2.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

80/100

Bunyah is at high risk of bushfires due to the surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds exacerbate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Strong winds
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.5

2050

9.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Increasing premiums due to flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

Potential for decreased property values in high-risk areas.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
  • 3.Obtain insurance quotes and understand coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Wallamba River
Elevation Range
5-20 meters
Flood Zone
Low-lying areas near Wallamba River

Historical flood data indicates localized flooding during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to Wallingat National Park
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area has a history of bushfires, with several major events in recent decades.

Heat Evidence

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

Elderly residents and those with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable to heat stress.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
15 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low
Erosion Risk
Low

Historical Climate Events

2019
bushfireMajor

The 2019 bushfires caused significant damage to the region, with widespread evacuations and property losses.

Source
2021
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall led to flooding in low-lying areas, disrupting transportation and causing property damage.

Source
2017
stormModerate

A severe storm caused power outages and damage to infrastructure.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.0(+0.5)
bushfire808.4(+0.4)8.7(+0.7)
heat606.2(+0.2)6.4(+0.4)
coastal202.02.0

By 2030, Bunyah is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with bushfire risk increasing more rapidly than other hazards.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance Flood Resilience

Near-term

Invest in flood mitigation infrastructure, such as drainage improvements and flood barriers.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect

Near-term

Increase green spaces and implement cool roof technologies to reduce the urban heat island effect.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Implement water conservation measures to reduce water demand during droughts and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Bunyah's Climate Risk Profile

Bunyah, nestled in the Mid-Coast region of New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns for this suburb are the escalating risks of bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves.

Bushfire risk is particularly high due to the extensive surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions, coupled with strong winds, create an environment conducive to bushfires. Climate change projections indicate a further increase in the frequency and intensity of bushfire events.

Flooding is another significant concern, with intense rainfall events leading to localized flooding. The suburb's proximity to waterways and low-lying areas exacerbate this risk. Changes in rainfall patterns due to climate change are expected to increase the likelihood of flooding.

Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and intense, posing a threat to vulnerable populations. Rising average temperatures and the urban heat island effect contribute to this risk. Adaptation measures are needed to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat.

While coastal risks are relatively low, sea level rise and coastal erosion may have indirect impacts on the region. It is essential to monitor these risks and implement appropriate adaptation strategies to protect the community and its assets.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Bunyah?

Bunyah faces increasing risks from bushfires, floods, and heatwaves due to climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Bunyah?

Climate change may lead to decreased property values in high-risk areas due to increased insurance premiums and potential damage from extreme weather events.

What can residents do to prepare for bushfires?

Residents can clear vegetation around their properties, develop evacuation plans, and stay informed about bushfire risks.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The Mid-Coast Council is developing and implementing climate strategies to reduce emissions and enhance community resilience.

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

You can find flood maps and information on the Mid-Coast Council website and the NSW State Emergency Service website.

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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

Climate Risk in Bunyah Nsw, NSW: 2026 Assessment | ClimateNest