Climate Risk in Calderwood, NSW
Calderwood faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future, requiring proactive adaptation measures.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Calderwood
Flood
Calderwood faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to localised flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
Calderwood has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during bushfire season.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Calderwood experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected in the future.
Key drivers:
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Calderwood has a low coastal risk due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
Wind
Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts
Storm
Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail
Social
Moderate social stability — mixed urban density
Energy
Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Calderwood
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Calderwood experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected in the future.
Primary Drivers
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
5.0
2050
5.5
flood Risk
Calderwood faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to localised flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Climate change
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.0
2050
7.5
coastal Risk
Calderwood has a low coastal risk due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
1.0
2050
1.0
bushfire Risk
Calderwood has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during bushfire season.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Strong winds
- ·Climate change
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.5
2050
8.0
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to the elevated risk of flooding and bushfires.
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 property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
- 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
- 4.Consider the long-term impacts of climate change on property value.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Albion Park Creek
- Elevation Range
- 20-50 meters
- Flood Zone
- Areas near Albion Park Creek are prone to flooding.
Historical flood data indicates that some properties in Calderwood have experienced flooding in the past.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Adjacent to bushland reserves
- Planning Overlay
- RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
Many properties in Calderwood are located in designated bushfire prone areas.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 27.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 3 days
The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase in the future.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 8 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Low exposure
- Erosion Risk
- Low risk
Historical Climate Events
Heavy rainfall caused localised flooding in Calderwood, affecting some residential properties.
SourceA bushfire near Calderwood threatened properties, requiring residents to evacuate.
SourceThe 2019-2020 bushfires impacted the region, with smoke and air quality affecting Calderwood residents.
SourceClimate 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 | 70 | 7.5(+0.5) | 8.0(+1.0) |
| heat | 45 | 4.8(+0.3) | 5.2(+0.7) |
| coastal | 10 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
By 2030, Calderwood is projected to experience a moderate increase in flood and bushfire risk, along with a slight increase in heat risk. Coastal risks are expected to remain low.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Improve Flood Defences
Near-termConstruct levees and drainage systems to protect properties from flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreBushfire Mitigation
ImmediateImplement bushfire mitigation measures, such as vegetation management and fire breaks.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreHeatwave Preparedness
Near-termDevelop a heatwave preparedness plan and establish cooling centers for vulnerable residents.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreCommunity Education
Long-termEducate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Calderwood's Climate Risk Profile
Calderwood, located in the Shellharbour region of New South Wales, is susceptible to a range of climate-related risks. The suburb's proximity to waterways and bushland increases its vulnerability to flooding and bushfires, respectively. Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves also pose a threat to the community.
Flooding is a significant concern for Calderwood, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The local waterways can overflow, inundating low-lying areas and causing damage to property. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, further exacerbating the risk of flooding.
Bushfires are another major threat to Calderwood, especially during the dry summer months. The surrounding bushland provides ample fuel for fires, and strong winds can quickly spread flames towards residential areas. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfires, posing a greater risk to the community.
Heatwaves are becoming more common and intense in Calderwood, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Rising temperatures can also strain infrastructure, such as power grids and transportation systems. Climate change is driving the increase in heatwaves, making it essential to implement adaptation measures to protect the community.
While coastal risks are relatively low due to the suburb's distance from the coast, it's important to consider the interconnectedness of climate impacts. Changes in weather patterns and extreme events can still indirectly affect Calderwood. Proactive planning and community engagement are crucial to building resilience and mitigating the impacts of climate change in Calderwood.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS
Local Government Resources
Shellharbour City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks facing Calderwood?
Calderwood faces risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change.
How will climate change affect property values in Calderwood?
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased insurance costs and potential damage from extreme events.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Calderwood?
Shellharbour City Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to reduce the risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves.
How can I prepare my home for flooding in Calderwood?
You can prepare your home by installing flood barriers, elevating appliances, and ensuring proper drainage.
What should I do during a bushfire in Calderwood?
During a bushfire, follow the advice of emergency services, evacuate if necessary, and protect your home by clearing vegetation and having a bushfire survival plan.
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