Climate Risk Profile: Cartwrights Hill, NSW

Cartwrights Hill, New South Wales· City of Wagga Wagga· 2650
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Cartwrights Hill faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also present. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly flooding and heat. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Cartwrights Hill

increasing

Flood

65/100

Cartwrights Hill faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Murrumbidgee River. Localised flash flooding can also occur due to heavy rainfall.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
stable

Bushfire

40/100

The area has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and bushland. Hot, dry summers increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

60/100

Cartwrights Hill experiences hot summers, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Cartwrights Hill is not located near the coast, so the risk of coastal hazards is very low.

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 Cartwrights Hill

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Cartwrights Hill experiences hot summers, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Cartwrights Hill faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Murrumbidgee River. Localised flash flooding can also occur due to heavy rainfall.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Cartwrights Hill is not located near the coast, so the risk of coastal hazards is very low.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The area has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and bushland. Hot, dry summers increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and property protection measures.
  • 3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on property comfort and energy costs.
  • 4.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Murrumbidgee River
Elevation Range
200-250m
Flood Zone
Areas adjacent to the Murrumbidgee River are designated as flood zones.

Historical flood events have impacted properties in low-lying areas. Council provides flood maps and advice to residents.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 1km of significant bushland areas.
Planning Overlay
RFS bushfire prone area map available on NSW RFS website.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should consult the NSW RFS website for information on bushfire safety and property protection.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

The Bureau of Meteorology provides heatwave forecasts and advice on staying safe during hot weather.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
450 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not applicable.
Erosion Risk
Not applicable.

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodModerate

Significant flooding of the Murrumbidgee River impacted low-lying areas of Wagga Wagga, including some parts of Cartwrights Hill.

Source
2006
floodModerate

Flooding along the Murrumbidgee River caused damage to properties and infrastructure in the Wagga Wagga region.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the surrounding region caused smoky conditions and increased fire danger in Cartwrights Hill.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius impacted the health of vulnerable residents.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

HazardToday2030205020302050
flood657.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)7.2(+0.7)8.0(+1.5)
bushfire404.2(+0.2)4.3(+0.3)4.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
heat606.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)6.6(+0.6)7.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.01.01.0

Under a moderate emissions scenario, flood risk is projected to increase due to more intense rainfall events. Heatwave frequency and intensity are also expected to rise.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in flood levees and drainage infrastructure to protect properties from riverine and flash flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement stricter building codes for bushfire-prone areas and provide community education on bushfire safety.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Establish cooling centers and provide public health advice to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Implement water restrictions and encourage water-efficient landscaping to reduce water demand during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade Infrastructure

Long-term

Ensure that infrastructure is resilient to extreme weather events, including upgrading power grids and transportation networks.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Cartwrights Hill's Climate Risk Profile

Cartwrights Hill, located near Wagga Wagga, is susceptible to several climate-related hazards. The primary concern is flooding from the Murrumbidgee River, which has historically impacted the region. Increased rainfall intensity due to climate change is projected to worsen flood risks in the coming decades. Additionally, localised flash flooding can occur due to heavy rainfall events.

The area also faces a moderate bushfire risk, especially during the hot, dry summer months. Surrounding grasslands and bushland contribute to the potential for bushfires to spread. Residents should maintain their properties to reduce fuel loads and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Heatwaves are another significant concern, with average temperatures expected to rise due to climate change. This poses a particular risk to elderly residents and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further exacerbate temperatures in built-up areas.

While coastal hazards are not a direct threat, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased migration, could indirectly affect Cartwrights Hill. It is crucial for residents and local authorities to take proactive measures to adapt to these changing conditions and mitigate the risks.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · City of Wagga Wagga

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Cartwrights Hill?

The main climate risks are flooding from the Murrumbidgee River, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events.

How can I prepare my property for flooding?

Check flood maps, raise electrical appliances, and consider installing flood barriers. Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable individuals.

How can I protect my home from bushfires?

Clear vegetation around your home, maintain gutters, and have a bushfire survival plan. Consider installing fire shutters and a sprinkler system.

Where can I find information on emergency services in Wagga Wagga?

Visit the NSW Emergency Services website for information on emergency contacts, evacuation plans, and disaster preparedness.

Is Cartwrights Hill a good place to invest in property considering climate change?

While Cartwrights Hill has many positive attributes, potential investors should carefully consider the climate risks, particularly flooding and heatwaves. Review flood maps, insurance options, and adaptation measures before making a decision.

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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