Climate Risk in Charlton, New South Wales

Charlton, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Charlton, NSW, faces moderate climate risks, primarily from bushfires and heatwaves. Flooding is also a concern. Residents should prepare for increasing temperatures and potential fire danger.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Charlton

stable

Flood

40/100

Charlton faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location and rainfall patterns. Local waterways and inadequate drainage can contribute to potential flood events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rainfall intensity
  • ·Local topography
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Charlton has a high bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation and dry conditions. The area is prone to bushfires, especially during the hotter months.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

60/100

Charlton is likely to experience increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Global warming
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Charlton has a low coastal risk as it is not located near the coast. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

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 Charlton

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Charlton is likely to experience increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Global warming
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP6.0)

2030

6.8

2050

7.5

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Charlton faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location and rainfall patterns. Local waterways and inadequate drainage can contribute to potential flood events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rainfall intensity
  • ·Local topography
  • ·Drainage capacity

Projections (RCP6.0)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Charlton has a low coastal risk as it is not located near the coast. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP6.0)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Charlton has a high bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation and dry conditions. The area is prone to bushfires, especially during the hotter months.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP6.0)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurers may increase premiums due to bushfire and flood risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review insurance options and costs.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate projections for the area.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local creeks and drainage systems
Elevation Range
Variable
Flood Zone
Areas near creeks

Local drainage capacity may be limited in some areas.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Check RFS website for current fire restrictions.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted the region surrounding Charlton, leading to evacuations and property damage.

Source
2017
floodMinor

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

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

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

Source
2020
bushfireMajor

Significant bushfire event impacted areas near Charlton, causing widespread concern and prompting community response efforts.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP6.0

HazardToday20302050
flood404.2(+0.2)4.4(+0.4)
bushfire606.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)
heat606.7(+0.7)7.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Charlton is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in bushfire and heatwave intensity.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a Bushfire Management Plan

Immediate

Create and maintain a comprehensive bushfire management plan for your property, including clearing vegetation, maintaining firebreaks, and having an evacuation plan.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve Home Cooling and Insulation

Near-term

Upgrade home insulation and install energy-efficient cooling systems to reduce the impact of heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Local Flood Defenses

Near-term

Support local initiatives to improve drainage infrastructure and implement flood mitigation measures.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Participate in Community Resilience Programs

Long-term

Engage in community-based programs focused on climate adaptation and disaster preparedness.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Charlton's Climate Risk Profile

Charlton, located in New South Wales, is exposed to several climate-related risks that are projected to intensify in the coming decades. The primary concerns for this suburb are bushfires and heatwaves, with flooding also posing a notable threat.

The risk of bushfires in Charlton is high due to the surrounding vegetation and prevailing dry conditions, particularly during the summer months. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these conditions, leading to more frequent and intense bushfire events. Residents should maintain awareness of fire danger ratings and have bushfire preparedness plans in place.

Heatwaves are another significant concern for Charlton. As average temperatures rise, the suburb is likely to experience more frequent and prolonged periods of extreme heat. This can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Access to cooling centers and strategies for staying cool during heatwaves are essential.

Flooding is a moderate risk for Charlton, influenced by local waterways and drainage infrastructure. Intense rainfall events can lead to localized flooding, potentially impacting properties and infrastructure. Maintaining clear drainage systems and being aware of flood warnings are important for mitigating this risk.

While coastal risks are low due to its inland location, Charlton's residents should still be aware of broader climate trends and their potential impacts on the region. Adapting to these changes through community resilience initiatives and sustainable practices will be crucial for ensuring the long-term well-being of Charlton.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Charlton?

Charlton faces primary climate risks from bushfires and heatwaves, with flooding also being a concern. These risks are projected to increase in the coming decades due to climate change.

How can I prepare my home for bushfires in Charlton?

You can prepare your home by clearing vegetation around your property, maintaining firebreaks, having a bushfire survival plan, and ensuring you have adequate home insurance.

What should I do during a heatwave in Charlton?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about local flood risks in Charlton?

You can find information about local flood risks on the council's website, including flood maps and emergency contact details. The SES also provides valuable resources and warnings.

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

The council is developing and implementing a climate strategy to reduce emissions and enhance community resilience. This includes initiatives to improve energy efficiency, promote sustainable transport, and manage natural resources.

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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