Climate Change Risks in Cammeray, NSW

Cammeray, New South Wales· North Sydney· 2062
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Cammeray is a suburb in Sydney with moderate climate change risks. The primary concerns are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.2
Heat
7.0
Coastal
6.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Cammeray

increasing

Flood

65/100

Cammeray has 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

32/100

Bushfire risk in Cammeray is relatively low due to the suburb's urban nature and distance from large bushland areas. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could elevate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Cammeray is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. The urban heat island effect could further amplify temperatures.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

60/100

Cammeray faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to Sydney Harbour. Sea level rise and storm surges could lead to increased inundation and erosion.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
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 Cammeray

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Cammeray is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. The urban heat island effect could further amplify temperatures.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Cammeray has 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
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

60/100

Cammeray faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to Sydney Harbour. Sea level rise and storm surges could lead to increased inundation and erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

32/100

Bushfire risk in Cammeray is relatively low due to the suburb's urban nature and distance from large bushland areas. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could elevate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.7

2050

4.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to climate change risks.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and council records for flood history.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to bushfire.
  • 3.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise on waterfront properties.
  • 4.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage for climate-related risks.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Sydney Harbour
Elevation Range
5-50 meters
Flood Zone
Some areas are within the 1% AEP flood zone

Historical flood events have impacted properties near creeks and the harbour foreshore.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
1-2 km to surrounding reserves
Planning Overlay
Some areas have a bushfire buffer overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties adjacent to reserves require bushfire protection measures.

Heat Evidence

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

Urban areas experience higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas are susceptible to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
Some foreshore areas are at risk of erosion

Historical Climate Events

1990
stormModerate

Severe storm caused flash flooding and property damage in Cammeray.

Source
2007
stormModerate

East Coast Low brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Sydney region, causing flooding and coastal erosion in Cammeray.

Source
2020
floodMinor

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

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood657.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire323.5(+0.3)3.8(+0.6)
heat707.7(+0.7)8.5(+1.5)
coastal606.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)

By 2030, Cammeray is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave frequency and intensity. Flooding and coastal risks are also expected to rise due to increased rainfall and sea level rise.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Increase Green Spaces

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Strengthen Coastal Defenses

Long-term

Implement measures to protect coastal areas from sea level rise and storm surges, such as seawalls and beach nourishment.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Immediate

Educate residents about climate change risks and how to prepare for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Cammeray's Climate Risk Profile

Cammeray, located on the Lower North Shore of Sydney, faces a range of climate change impacts. The suburb's proximity to Sydney Harbour makes it vulnerable to sea level rise and storm surges, increasing the risk of coastal inundation and erosion. More intense rainfall events could also lead to more frequent and severe flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.

Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of Cammeray residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect, caused by the concentration of buildings and paved surfaces, can further amplify temperatures in the suburb.

While the risk of bushfire is relatively low compared to other parts of NSW, increased temperatures and drier conditions could elevate the risk, particularly in areas bordering bushland. Residents should be aware of the potential for bushfires and take steps to prepare their properties.

Addressing these climate change risks requires a coordinated effort from local government, residents, and businesses. Implementing adaptation measures, such as improving drainage infrastructure, increasing green spaces, and promoting energy efficiency, can help to reduce the suburb's vulnerability to climate change impacts. Residents should also stay informed about the latest climate projections and take steps to prepare for extreme weather events.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW State Emergency Service · North Sydney Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Cammeray?

The main climate change risks in Cammeray are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards due to sea level rise and storm surges.

How will climate change affect property values in Cammeray?

Properties in high-risk areas, such as those prone to flooding or coastal inundation, may experience a decrease in value.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Cammeray?

North Sydney Council has a climate change strategy that includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as improving drainage infrastructure and increasing green spaces.

How can I prepare my home for extreme weather events in Cammeray?

You can prepare your home by clearing gutters and downpipes, securing loose objects, and having an emergency kit ready. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider installing flood barriers.

Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Cammeray?

You can find more information on the North Sydney Council website, the NSW State Emergency Service website, and the Bureau of Meteorology 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