Climate Risk in Collombatti, New South Wales

Collombatti, New South Wales· Kempsey· 2447
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Collombatti faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also a concern. Climate change is projected to increase the severity of these hazards. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.2
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.5

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Collombatti

increasing

Flood

65/100

Collombatti faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Macleay River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

42/100

The area around Collombatti has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Collombatti is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

15/100

Collombatti is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards. Sea level rise is not expected to directly impact the suburb.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
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 Collombatti

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Collombatti is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Collombatti faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Macleay River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Riverine flooding

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

15/100

Collombatti is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards. Sea level rise is not expected to directly impact the suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.5

2050

1.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

42/100

The area around Collombatti has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.7

2050

5.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to increased flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and property protection measures.
  • 3.Consider energy efficiency and cooling options for heatwaves.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Macleay River
Elevation Range
5-20m
Flood Zone
Yes

The Macleay River has a history of flooding, impacting low-lying areas in Collombatti.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent
Planning Overlay
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/bush-fire-prone-land
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas surrounding Collombatti are designated as bushfire-prone, requiring specific building standards.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Collombatti experiences several days above 35°C each summer, increasing heat stress risk.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
15 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low
Erosion Risk
Low

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

The Macleay River flooded, impacting low-lying areas in Collombatti and surrounding regions.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted areas near Collombatti, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source
2017
stormModerate

Severe storms caused damage to property and infrastructure in the Kempsey region.

Source
2020
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred along the Macleay River, affecting Collombatti and surrounding areas.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood657.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire424.5(+0.3)4.9(+0.7)
heat707.7(+0.7)8.5(+1.5)
coastal151.51.5

By 2030, Collombatti is projected to experience increased flooding and heatwave risks under a high emissions scenario.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Construct levees and improve drainage systems to reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Manage Vegetation

Immediate

Clear vegetation around properties to reduce bushfire fuel load.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Install Cooling Systems

Near-term

Install air conditioning or other cooling systems to cope with heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Emergency Plans

Immediate

Create and practice emergency plans for floods, bushfires, and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Collombatti's Climate Risk Profile

Collombatti, located in the Kempsey region of New South Wales, is vulnerable to several climate-related hazards. The suburb's proximity to the Macleay River increases its risk of flooding, which is expected to worsen with climate change due to increased rainfall intensity. Heatwaves are also a significant concern, with projections indicating more frequent and intense heat events in the future.

The surrounding bushland contributes to a moderate bushfire risk. Hotter, drier conditions are likely to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires, posing a threat to properties and residents. While coastal hazards are less of a direct concern due to Collombatti's inland location, the broader regional impacts of sea level rise could indirectly affect the suburb.

Understanding these risks is crucial for residents and property owners in Collombatti. Taking proactive measures to adapt to climate change, such as improving flood defenses, managing vegetation around properties, and preparing for heatwaves, can help mitigate the potential impacts. Staying informed about local weather conditions and emergency alerts is also essential.

The local council and emergency services play a vital role in managing climate risks. Residents should familiarize themselves with local emergency plans and resources, and participate in community initiatives to enhance resilience. By working together, the community can better prepare for and respond to the challenges posed by climate change.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · Kempsey Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Collombatti?

The main risks are increased flooding, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a moderate bushfire risk.

How will climate change affect property values in Collombatti?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value. Increased insurance premiums are also likely.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Collombatti?

Install air conditioning or other cooling systems, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

How can I protect my property from bushfires in Collombatti?

Clear vegetation around your property, install fire-resistant building materials, and have a bushfire survival plan.

Where can I find information about local emergency plans in Collombatti?

Visit the Kempsey Shire Council website or the NSW State Emergency Service website.

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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