Climate Risk Profile: Burwood Heights, NSW

Burwood Heights, New South Wales

Medium Risk

Updated May 2026

Burwood Heights faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. While bushfire and coastal risks are low, the increasing intensity of rainfall and rising temperatures pose challenges for the community.

Overall Risk Score

52/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.5

Bushfire

3.0

Heat

6.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Burwood Heights

increasing

Flood

65/100

Burwood Heights faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The area's topography and existing drainage infrastructure contribute to this risk.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

stable

Bushfire

30/100

The bushfire risk in Burwood Heights is relatively low due to its urban location and limited vegetation. However, nearby parks and reserves could pose a threat during extreme weather conditions.

Key drivers:

·Proximity to green spaces
·Dry vegetation

increasing

Heat

60/100

Burwood Heights experiences a moderate risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Urban heat island effect can exacerbate the impact on vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risks are negligible in Burwood Heights due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion do not pose a direct threat to the suburb.

Key drivers:

·Distance from coast

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 Burwood Heights

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs

Insurance Costs

Premium estimates and insurance availability

Investment Score

Climate-adjusted property investment analysis

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Burwood Heights experiences a moderate risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Urban heat island effect can exacerbate the impact on vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect
·Lack of green spaces

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Aging infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risks are negligible in Burwood Heights due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion do not pose a direct threat to the suburb.

Primary Drivers

·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

The bushfire risk in Burwood Heights is relatively low due to its urban location and limited vegetation. However, nearby parks and reserves could pose a threat during extreme weather conditions.

Primary Drivers

·Proximity to green spaces
·Dry vegetation
·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Increased premiums possible due to flood risk.

Price Impact

Potential for moderate price impact in flood-prone areas.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood history of the property.
2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Inquire about council's climate adaptation plans.
4.Review insurance coverage for climate-related events.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Parramatta River
Elevation Range: 20-40 meters
Flood Zone: Low to Moderate

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: 2 km to nearest reserve
Planning Overlay: Limited bushfire prone area overlay
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 29°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 3 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 15 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not applicable
Erosion Risk: Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2022

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in low-lying areas of Burwood Heights.

Source

2020

heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source

2016

stormMinor

A severe storm caused minor damage to property and power outages in the area.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	65	7.0(+0.5)	7.5(+1.0)
bushfire	30	3.2(+0.2)	3.5(+0.5)
heat	60	6.8(+0.8)	7.5(+1.5)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Burwood Heights is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave intensity and frequency, along with a heightened risk of flooding due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk will see a slight increase, while coastal risks remain minimal.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Immediate

Invest in upgrading stormwater drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Increase Green Spaces

Near-term

Plant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Heatwave Early Warning System

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave early warning system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on how to stay safe.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Long-term

Conduct community education programs to raise awareness about climate risks and promote adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Burwood Heights's Climate Risk Profile

Burwood Heights, located in New South Wales, is subject to a range of climate-related risks that are expected to intensify in the coming decades. The primary concerns are flooding due to increased rainfall intensity and heatwaves exacerbated by the urban heat island effect.

Flooding is a significant concern, with potential for stormwater runoff to overwhelm existing drainage infrastructure. Climate change projections indicate an increase in extreme rainfall events, which could lead to more frequent and severe flooding.

Heatwaves are another major risk, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban environment tends to trap heat, making heatwaves more intense and prolonged.

While bushfire risk is relatively low due to the suburb's urban location, it is not entirely absent. Nearby parks and reserves could pose a threat during dry and windy conditions. Coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's distance from the coast.

Addressing these climate risks will require a combination of adaptation and mitigation strategies, including upgrading drainage infrastructure, increasing green spaces, and implementing heatwave early warning systems.

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

Local Government Resources

Burwood Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Burwood Heights?

The main climate change risks for Burwood Heights are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall events and more frequent and severe heatwaves.

How is the council preparing for climate change?

Burwood Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation plans, including upgrading drainage infrastructure and increasing green spaces.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves?

Residents can stay cool by staying indoors, drinking plenty of water, and using air conditioning or fans. It's also important to check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about flood risks in my area?

You can find information about flood risks on the Burwood Council website or by contacting the State Emergency Service (SES).

Are there any community programs to help residents adapt to climate change?

Burwood Council offers various community programs and resources to help residents adapt to climate change, including workshops and educational materials.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Burwood Heights, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Burwood Heights →

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Burwood Heights's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

Get Your flood Risk Report — A$69

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