Climate Risk in Cambridge Plateau, New South Wales

Cambridge Plateau, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Cambridge Plateau faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Cambridge Plateau

increasing

Flood

40/100

Cambridge Plateau faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and local creek overflows. The risk is influenced by the area's topography and drainage infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

The bushfire risk in Cambridge Plateau is relatively high due to its proximity to bushland areas. Dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

50/100

Cambridge Plateau experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Cambridge Plateau is not directly exposed to coastal risks such as sea level rise or coastal erosion due to its inland location.

Key drivers:

  • ·Inland location
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 Cambridge Plateau

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Cambridge Plateau experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Cambridge Plateau faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and local creek overflows. The risk is influenced by the area's topography and drainage infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Inadequate drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Cambridge Plateau is not directly exposed to coastal risks such as sea level rise or coastal erosion due to its inland location.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Inland location

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

The bushfire risk in Cambridge Plateau is relatively high due to its proximity to bushland areas. Dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to the increasing 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 the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider the long-term climate risks when making a purchase decision.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local Creeks
Elevation Range
200-250m
Flood Zone
Low to Moderate

Local creeks and drainage systems can be overwhelmed 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

The area is designated as bushfire prone, requiring specific building standards for new constructions.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves can pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations during summer months.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
150 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not Applicable
Erosion Risk
Not Applicable

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding in the region, impacting local infrastructure and properties.

Source
2013
bushfireModerate

A bushfire near Cambridge Plateau threatened properties and required emergency response efforts.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

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

Source
2019
bushfireMajor

The Black Summer bushfires had a significant impact on the region, with widespread smoke and property damage.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.5(+0.5)5.0(+1.0)
bushfire606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
heat505.5(+0.5)6.0(+1.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Cambridge Plateau is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including floods, bushfires, and heatwaves. Adaptation measures are needed to reduce the risks.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade local drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Mitigation Measures

Immediate

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as vegetation management and fire breaks, to reduce the risk of property damage.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Preparedness Plan

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Conduct community awareness programs to educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Cambridge Plateau's Climate Risk Profile

Cambridge Plateau, located in New South Wales, is subject to a range of climate-related risks. The primary concerns are flooding due to heavy rainfall, bushfires due to dry vegetation and high temperatures, and heatwaves that can impact vulnerable populations.

The risk of flooding is influenced by the area's topography and drainage infrastructure. Increased rainfall intensity, driven by climate change, is expected to increase the frequency and severity of flood events. Residents should be aware of local flood risks and take appropriate precautions.

The bushfire risk is elevated due to the proximity of bushland areas. Dry conditions and strong winds can create dangerous fire conditions. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires, posing a significant threat to the community.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to the health and well-being of residents, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Rising global temperatures and the urban heat island effect contribute to this risk.

While Cambridge Plateau is not directly exposed to coastal risks, the impacts of climate change on other hazards should be carefully considered. Adaptation measures are essential to protect the community and reduce the risks associated with climate change.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW Emergency Services

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Cambridge Plateau?

Cambridge Plateau faces risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change.

How can I prepare for a flood in Cambridge Plateau?

Stay informed about flood warnings, have an evacuation plan, and protect your property by elevating valuables and clearing drains.

What should I do during a bushfire?

Follow the advice of emergency services, evacuate if necessary, and protect your home by clearing vegetation and having a fire plan.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

What is the local council doing to address climate change?

The local council is developing climate adaptation strategies and implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve community resilience.

Get your property's risk report

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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