Climate Risk in Clovelly, NSW

Clovelly, New South Wales· Randwick· 2031
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Clovelly faces a medium overall climate risk, with the most significant threats stemming from heatwaves and coastal hazards. The suburb's coastal location and urban environment contribute to its vulnerability to climate change impacts. Residents should prepare for increasing temperatures, potential flooding, and coastal erosion.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.2
Heat
7.1
Coastal
6.4

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Clovelly

increasing

Flood

65/100

Clovelly faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and coastal inundation. The risk is exacerbated by the suburb's proximity to the coast and low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

32/100

Bushfire risk in Clovelly is relatively low due to its urban environment and limited vegetation. However, nearby parks and reserves pose a potential threat during extreme weather conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation
increasing

Heat

71/100

Clovelly experiences a high risk of heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events. This poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

64/100

Clovelly is exposed to coastal hazards, including sea level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges. These factors threaten infrastructure, property, and recreational areas along the coastline.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 Clovelly

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

71/100

Clovelly experiences a high risk of heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events. This poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.8

2050

8.5

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Clovelly faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and coastal inundation. The risk is exacerbated by the suburb's proximity to the coast and low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

64/100

Clovelly is exposed to coastal hazards, including sea level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges. These factors threaten infrastructure, property, and recreational areas along the coastline.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.8

2050

7.2

Data source

bushfire Risk

32/100

Bushfire risk in Clovelly is relatively low due to its urban environment and limited vegetation. However, nearby parks and reserves pose a potential threat during extreme weather conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High winds

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

3.5

2050

3.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase in response to rising climate risks, particularly for properties located in flood-prone or coastal areas.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value as climate change impacts become more pronounced.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal hazard reports.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider the long-term impacts of climate change on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Clovelly Beach
Elevation Range
0-40 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal and riverine floodplains

Historical flood events have impacted properties near Clovelly Beach and along the drainage channels.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Approximately 2km to Centennial Park
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

While Clovelly is largely urbanized, the proximity to Centennial Park increases the potential for ember attacks during bushfire events.

Heat Evidence

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

The urban heat island effect can exacerbate heat stress in Clovelly, particularly in areas with limited vegetation cover.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Properties close to Clovelly Beach are vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk along Clovelly Beach.

Historical Climate Events

2020
stormModerate

Severe storm caused flash flooding and damage to coastal infrastructure in Clovelly.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on energy infrastructure.

Source
2016
coastalMinor

Coastal erosion damaged parts of Clovelly Beach after a period of heavy swells.

Source
2015
floodMinor

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

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.2(+0.7)
bushfire323.3(+0.1)3.4(+0.2)
heat717.9(+0.8)8.6(+1.5)
coastal646.8(+0.4)7.3(+0.9)

By 2030, Clovelly is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, increased coastal erosion, and a higher risk of flooding due to rising sea levels and more extreme rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Improve drainage systems to reduce the risk of flash flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Protect coastal ecosystems

Near-term

Restore and protect coastal ecosystems, such as sand dunes and mangroves, to provide natural buffers against coastal erosion and storm surges.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement heatwave early warning systems

Immediate

Develop and implement heatwave early warning systems to alert residents to impending heatwaves and provide guidance on how to stay safe.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote energy efficiency

Long-term

Encourage residents and businesses to adopt energy-efficient practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy costs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Raise community awareness

Near-term

Conduct community workshops and educational campaigns to raise awareness about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Clovelly's Climate Risk Profile

Clovelly, a coastal suburb in Sydney, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels and more frequent storm surges pose a threat to the suburb's beaches, infrastructure, and residential areas. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves also present a significant risk to public health, particularly for elderly and vulnerable residents.

Flooding is another concern for Clovelly, with heavy rainfall events capable of causing flash flooding in low-lying areas. The combination of coastal inundation and heavy rainfall events could lead to significant property damage and disruption to daily life.

While bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other parts of New South Wales, the presence of nearby parks and reserves means that Clovelly is not entirely immune to the threat of bushfires, especially during dry and windy conditions.

Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort from local government, residents, and businesses. Implementing adaptation measures such as improving drainage infrastructure, protecting coastal ecosystems, and promoting energy efficiency can help to reduce the suburb's vulnerability to climate change impacts.

Furthermore, raising awareness among residents about climate risks and providing them with the resources they need to prepare for extreme weather events is crucial. By working together, the community can build a more resilient and sustainable future for Clovelly.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · Randwick City Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Clovelly?

The main climate change risks for Clovelly include rising sea levels, increased coastal erosion, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a higher risk of flooding.

How will rising sea levels affect Clovelly?

Rising sea levels will threaten coastal properties and infrastructure, increase the risk of coastal erosion, and exacerbate the impacts of storm surges.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Clovelly?

To prepare for heatwaves, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

How is Randwick City Council addressing climate change?

Randwick City Council is implementing a range of initiatives to address climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

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

You can find more information about climate change risks in Clovelly on the Randwick City Council website, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website, and the CSIRO website.

Are there any community groups in Clovelly focused on climate action?

Yes, there are several community groups in the Randwick area focused on climate action. Check the Randwick City Council website for a list of local environmental groups.

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 Clovelly, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Clovelly's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

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

Climate Risk in Clovelly Nsw, NSW: 2026 Assessment | ClimateNest