Climate Risk in Chisholm, NSW

Chisholm, New South Wales· City of Maitland· 2322
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Chisholm faces increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves due to climate change. Bushfire risk is moderate. Coastal risk is low.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
7.5
Bushfire
3.2
Heat
6.7
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Chisholm

increasing

Flood

75/100

Chisholm is prone to flooding due to its proximity to the Hunter River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity is expected to exacerbate flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
increasing

Bushfire

32/100

Bushfire risk is moderate due to surrounding vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

67/100

Chisholm is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risk is low as Chisholm is not located near the coast.

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 Chisholm

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

67/100

Chisholm is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.2

2050

7.7

Data source

flood Risk

75/100

Chisholm is prone to flooding due to its proximity to the Hunter River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity is expected to exacerbate flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.0

2050

8.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risk is low as Chisholm is not located near the coast.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

32/100

Bushfire risk is moderate due to surrounding vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation density

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.7

2050

4.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood risk.

Price Impact

Property values may be affected by flood risk.

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
Hunter River
Elevation Range
10-20m
Flood Zone
Yes

Some areas are designated flood zones.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
500m
Planning Overlay
Yes
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Parts of Chisholm are within a designated bushfire prone area.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2007
floodModerate

Major flooding of the Hunter River affected Chisholm and surrounding areas.

Source
2013
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in the Hunter Valley, impacting Chisholm.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the Hunter region caused smoke haze and increased fire risk in Chisholm.

Source
2023
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in parts of Chisholm.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood758.0(+0.5)8.5(+1.0)
bushfire323.5(+0.3)3.7(+0.5)
heat677.4(+0.7)7.9(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Chisholm is projected to experience increased flood and heatwave risks. Bushfire risk will also increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Preparedness Plan

Immediate

Implement a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Risk Mitigation

Near-term

Implement measures to reduce bushfire risk, such as vegetation management.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Educate residents about climate change risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Chisholm's Climate Risk Profile

Chisholm, NSW, is a suburb that will be increasingly affected by climate change. The primary risks are flooding due to its proximity to the Hunter River, and heatwaves. Bushfire risk is moderate, while coastal risks are minimal due to its inland location.

Increased rainfall intensity is expected to exacerbate flooding, potentially impacting properties and infrastructure. Residents should be aware of flood warnings and preparedness measures. The urban heat island effect may amplify the impact of heatwaves, particularly for vulnerable populations.

While bushfire risk is moderate, it is still important to maintain awareness and preparedness, especially during the bushfire season. Staying informed about local conditions and following safety guidelines is crucial.

Adaptation measures, such as improved drainage systems and heatwave preparedness plans, can help mitigate the impacts of climate change in Chisholm. Residents should stay informed about local council initiatives and take proactive steps to protect their properties and well-being.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · City of Maitland

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Chisholm?

The main risks are flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires.

How will climate change affect property values in Chisholm?

Property values may be affected by increased flood risk.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The council is implementing various strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

How can I prepare for a flood in Chisholm?

Stay informed about flood warnings, prepare an emergency kit, and have a plan.

What should I do during a heatwave in Chisholm?

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

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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