Climate Risk Profile: Crowther Island, NSW

Crowther Island, New South Wales
High Risk
Updated May 2026

Crowther Island faces significant climate risks, particularly from flooding, coastal erosion, and heatwaves. These risks are projected to increase in the future, potentially impacting property values and community well-being. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

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 Crowther Island

increasing

Flood

85/100

Crowther Island is highly susceptible to flooding due to its low elevation and proximity to waterways. Riverine and flash flooding are potential concerns.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

The area around Crowther Island has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hot, dry conditions can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
increasing

Heat

70/100

Crowther Island is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

73/100

As an island, Crowther Island is exposed to coastal erosion and sea level rise. This poses a threat to infrastructure and property.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge
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 Crowther Island

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Crowther Island is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.4

2050

7.8

Data source

flood Risk

85/100

Crowther Island is highly susceptible to flooding due to its low elevation and proximity to waterways. Riverine and flash flooding are potential concerns.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.8

2050

9.2

Data source

coastal Risk

73/100

As an island, Crowther Island is exposed to coastal erosion and sea level rise. This poses a threat to infrastructure and property.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.6

2050

8.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

The area around Crowther Island has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hot, dry conditions can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Stronger winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.3

2050

6.7

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be negatively impacted by increased flood and coastal erosion risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and mitigation measures.
  • 3.Consider long-term climate projections.
  • 4.Evaluate coastal erosion risks.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

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

Historical flood data indicates frequent inundation of low-lying areas.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

The island is surrounded by bushland, increasing the risk of bushfire spread.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable residents.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodMajor

Severe flooding of the Hawkesbury River inundated large parts of Crowther Island, causing significant property damage.

Source
2020
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the surrounding region caused smoke haze and increased fire risk on Crowther Island.

Source
2019
heatwaveMajor

Record-breaking heatwave conditions led to heat stress and health concerns for vulnerable residents.

Source
2016
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding on Crowther Island, disrupting transport and damaging property.

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)6.4(+0.4)
heat707.4(+0.4)7.8(+0.8)
coastal737.9(+0.6)8.5(+1.2)

By 2030, Crowther Island is projected to experience more frequent and intense flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion due to climate change.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Immediate

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

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement Bushfire Mitigation Strategies

Near-term

Clear vegetation around properties and develop community bushfire plans.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Strengthen Coastal Defenses

Near-term

Construct seawalls and other coastal protection measures to reduce erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plan

Immediate

Establish cooling centers and provide support for vulnerable residents during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Raise Home Foundations

Long-term

Elevate homes to reduce flood damage.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Crowther Island's Climate Risk Profile

Crowther Island, located in New South Wales, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Its low-lying geography makes it highly susceptible to flooding from both riverine and coastal sources. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity are expected to exacerbate these risks, potentially leading to property damage and displacement.

Bushfire risk is also a concern, with surrounding vegetation posing a threat during hot, dry conditions. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves are projected to increase, placing stress on vulnerable populations and infrastructure. Coastal erosion is an ongoing issue, threatening the island's coastline and properties.

Adapting to these changes will require a multi-faceted approach, including improved drainage infrastructure, bushfire mitigation strategies, and coastal protection measures. Community awareness and preparedness are also crucial for minimizing the impacts of extreme weather events.

Long-term planning should consider the potential for managed retreat from the most vulnerable areas. Investing in resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable development practices will be essential for ensuring the long-term viability of Crowther Island.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW State Emergency Service · NSW Rural Fire Service · NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Crowther Island?

Crowther Island is primarily at risk from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion, all of which are expected to worsen with climate change.

How will climate change affect property values on Crowther Island?

Increased climate risks, particularly flooding and coastal erosion, may negatively impact property values on Crowther Island.

What can residents do to prepare for increased heatwaves?

Residents can prepare by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned spaces, and checking on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.

What is the local council doing to address climate change?

The local council is UNKNOWN. Check the council website for more information.

Where can I find information about flood risks on Crowther Island?

You can find flood maps and information on the NSW State Emergency Service website.

How can I protect my home from bushfires?

Clear vegetation around your home, install fire-resistant materials, and develop 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 Crowther Island, use our analysis tool.

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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