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Climate Risk in Cathundral, NSW

Cathundral, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Cathundral faces increasing risks from bushfires and heatwaves due to climate change. Flooding is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
6.5
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Cathundral

increasing

Flood

40/100

Flooding can occur from heavy rainfall events, impacting low-lying areas and potentially disrupting infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Bushfire risk is elevated due to the proximity of bushland and dry conditions, particularly during the fire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

65/100

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's inland location.

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 Cathundral

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

65/100

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Flooding can occur from heavy rainfall events, impacting low-lying areas and potentially disrupting infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's inland location.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Bushfire risk is elevated due to the proximity of bushland and dry conditions, particularly during the fire season.

Primary Drivers

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

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 climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price impacts.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk
  • 3.Consider heatwave impacts
  • 4.Review insurance options

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local creeks
Elevation Range
Varies across the suburb
Flood Zone
Some areas are designated as flood zones

Historical flood data indicates localized flooding during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas
Planning Overlay
RFS bushfire prone area map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The suburb is located in a designated bushfire prone area.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in the region.

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 localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Source
2013
bushfireModerate

A bushfire threatened the outskirts of the suburb, requiring evacuations.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in heat stress and health impacts.

Source
2019
bushfireMajor

Widespread bushfires impacted the region, causing significant damage and disruption.

Source
2020
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall led to flash flooding in some areas.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
bushfire606.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)
heat657.1(+0.6)7.7(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Cathundral is projected to experience increased bushfire risk and more frequent heatwaves. Flooding risk may also increase due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a bushfire survival plan

Immediate

Prepare a plan for evacuating your home in the event of a bushfire. Clear vegetation around your property and have a bushfire survival kit ready.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve home cooling

Near-term

Install air conditioning or fans to help keep your home cool during heatwaves. Insulate your home to reduce heat gain.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Reduce flood risk

Near-term

Elevate your home if it is in a flood-prone area. Install flood barriers and ensure your property is properly drained.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Conserve water

Long-term

Install water-efficient appliances and fixtures. Collect rainwater for use in your garden.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Support community resilience initiatives

Long-term

Participate in local community groups and initiatives that promote climate resilience. Advocate for policies that address climate change.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Cathundral's Climate Risk Profile

Cathundral is a suburb in New South Wales that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are expected to exacerbate these hazards in the coming decades.

Bushfire risk is a significant concern due to the surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions during the fire season increase the likelihood of bushfires impacting the community. Residents should maintain their properties and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. It is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on neighbors during heatwaves.

Flooding can occur from heavy rainfall events, particularly in low-lying areas. Residents should be aware of flood risks and have a plan in place in case of flooding.

Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of individual preparedness, community resilience, and government action. By working together, we can protect Cathundral from the worst impacts of climate change.

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

Local Government Resources

Example Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Cathundral?

The main climate change risks in Cathundral are bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding. These risks are expected to increase in the coming decades due to changes in temperature and rainfall patterns.

How can I prepare for bushfires?

You can prepare for bushfires by developing a bushfire survival plan, clearing vegetation around your property, and having a bushfire survival kit ready. Stay informed about bushfire warnings and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on neighbors. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. If you experience symptoms of heat stress, seek medical attention.

How can I reduce my flood risk?

You can reduce your flood risk by elevating your home if it is in a flood-prone area, installing flood barriers, and ensuring your property is properly drained. Stay informed about flood warnings and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The council is developing and implementing a climate strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes measures to improve energy efficiency, promote renewable energy, and enhance community resilience.

Will climate change affect my property value in Cathundral?

Potentially, yes. Properties in areas with higher climate risk (e.g., flood zones or bushfire-prone areas) may experience price impacts or increased insurance premiums. It's important to consider climate risks when buying or selling property.

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 Cathundral, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Cathundral →

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