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Climate Risk Profile: Comerong Island, NSW

Comerong Island, New South Wales
High Risk
Updated May 2026

Comerong Island faces significant climate change risks, particularly from flooding and coastal hazards. Rising temperatures and increased bushfire risk also pose challenges. Adaptation measures are crucial to protect the community and environment.

Overall Risk Score

72/100
High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
8.5
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
7.3

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Comerong Island

increasing

Flood

85/100

Comerong Island is highly susceptible to flooding due to its low elevation and proximity to the Shoalhaven River and coastal areas. Increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise are expected to exacerbate flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Comerong Island faces a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation and dry conditions during summer. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire weather.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Comerong Island is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Rising temperatures pose a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect (minimal)
increasing

Coastal

73/100

Comerong Island is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise. The low-lying nature of the island makes it particularly susceptible to these impacts.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
stable

Wind

40/100

Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts

stable

Storm

55/100

Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail

stable

Social

30/100

Moderate social stability — mixed urban density

increasing

Energy

50/100

Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Comerong Island

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

70/100

Comerong Island is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Rising temperatures pose a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect (minimal)

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

85/100

Comerong Island is highly susceptible to flooding due to its low elevation and proximity to the Shoalhaven River and coastal areas. Increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise are expected to exacerbate flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Low elevation

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.8

2050

9.2

Data source

coastal Risk

73/100

Comerong Island is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise. The low-lying nature of the island makes it particularly susceptible to these impacts.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.6

2050

8.1

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Comerong Island faces a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation and dry conditions during summer. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire weather.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Likely to increase due to flood and coastal risks.

Price Impact

Potential for negative impact on property values.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood history
  • 2.Assess coastal erosion risk
  • 3.Review bushfire management plan
  • 4.Consider heatwave resilience

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Shoalhaven River
Elevation Range
0-5 meters
Flood Zone
High Risk

Low-lying island subject to tidal and riverine flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Surrounded by bushland, increasing bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
28°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Increasing frequency of heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
High
Erosion Risk
Significant

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Major flooding of the Shoalhaven River impacted Comerong Island, causing property damage and displacement.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

Bushfire near Comerong Island threatened properties, requiring evacuation of some residents.

Source
2017
floodModerate

Flooding of the Shoalhaven River caused inundation of low-lying areas on Comerong Island.

Source
2020
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall led to flooding on Comerong Island, impacting roads and properties.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood858.8(+0.3)9.1(+0.6)
bushfire606.2(+0.2)6.5(+0.5)
heat707.4(+0.4)7.8(+0.8)
coastal737.9(+0.6)8.5(+1.2)

By 2030, Comerong Island is projected to experience increased flooding, bushfire risk, and heatwaves due to climate change. Sea level rise will exacerbate coastal erosion and inundation.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Raise home foundations

Near-term

Elevate homes to reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Improve drainage systems

Near-term

Upgrade drainage to manage increased rainfall.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Coastal protection measures

Long-term

Implement seawalls and beach nourishment to protect against erosion.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Bushfire hazard reduction

Immediate

Clear vegetation around properties to reduce bushfire risk.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community education programs

Near-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Comerong Island's Climate Risk Profile

Comerong Island, located in New South Wales, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Its low-lying geography and proximity to the Shoalhaven River and the coast make it particularly susceptible to flooding and coastal erosion.

Rising sea levels and more intense rainfall events are projected to increase the frequency and severity of flooding. Coastal erosion threatens infrastructure and natural habitats. The island is also expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing risks to human health and infrastructure.

Bushfire risk is also a concern, with hotter, drier conditions increasing the likelihood of fires. These combined risks necessitate proactive adaptation measures to protect the community and environment.

Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated effort involving local government, residents, and other stakeholders. Implementing strategies to mitigate flood risk, protect coastal areas, and reduce bushfire hazards is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of Comerong Island.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Local Government Resources

Shoalhaven City Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Comerong Island?

The main risks are flooding, coastal erosion, heatwaves, and bushfires.

How will sea level rise affect Comerong Island?

Sea level rise will increase coastal erosion and inundation, threatening properties and infrastructure.

What can residents do to prepare for increased heatwaves?

Residents can install air conditioning, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity during peak heat.

What is the council doing to address climate change risks?

The council is developing climate adaptation plans and implementing measures to reduce flood and bushfire risks.

Where can I find more information about flood risks on Comerong Island?

You can find flood maps and information on the Shoalhaven City Council website.

How can I prepare my property for bushfire season?

Clear vegetation around your home, maintain gutters, and have a bushfire survival plan.

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 Comerong Island, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Comerong Island →

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