Climate Risk Profile: Dawes Point, NSW
Dawes Point faces significant climate risks, particularly from coastal inundation, flooding, and heatwaves. Sea level rise poses a major threat to this harbourside suburb. Adaptation measures are crucial to protect infrastructure and residents.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Dawes Point
Flood
Dawes Point faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Sydney Harbour and low-lying areas. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
Bushfire
The bushfire risk in Dawes Point is relatively low due to its urban location and limited vegetation. However, ember attack from distant fires remains a potential concern.
Key drivers:
- ·Urban density
- ·Limited vegetation
Heat
Dawes Point is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Urban heat island effect can amplify these impacts.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Dawes Point is highly vulnerable to coastal inundation and erosion due to sea level rise. Key infrastructure and heritage assets are at risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
Wind
Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts
Storm
Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail
Social
Moderate social stability — mixed urban density
Energy
Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Dawes Point
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Dawes Point is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Urban heat island effect can amplify these impacts.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Heatwaves
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.5
2050
8.2
flood Risk
Dawes Point faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Sydney Harbour and low-lying areas. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Storm surge
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.0
2050
7.8
coastal Risk
Dawes Point is highly vulnerable to coastal inundation and erosion due to sea level rise. Key infrastructure and heritage assets are at risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
- ·Coastal erosion
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.8
2050
8.5
bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Dawes Point is relatively low due to its urban location and limited vegetation. However, ember attack from distant fires remains a potential concern.
Primary Drivers
- ·Urban density
- ·Limited vegetation
- ·Ember attack
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
2.7
2050
2.9
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the rising risk of flooding and coastal inundation.
Price Impact
Property values in Dawes Point may be negatively impacted by climate change, particularly for properties located in low-lying coastal areas.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to sea level rise and storm surge.
- 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
- 4.Consider the potential impact of climate change on property values.
- 5.Review council's climate adaptation plans.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Sydney Harbour
- Elevation Range
- 0-10 meters
- Flood Zone
- Coastal Floodplain
Historical records indicate several instances of flooding in Dawes Point due to heavy rainfall and storm surges. The area is particularly vulnerable during high tide events.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- 5 km to Royal Botanic Garden
- Planning Overlay
- Not within a designated bushfire prone area
- Bushfire Prone Area
- No
While not directly adjacent to bushland, Dawes Point could be affected by ember attack during severe bushfire events in the wider Sydney region.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 27.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 3 days
The urban environment of Dawes Point contributes to the urban heat island effect, resulting in higher temperatures compared to surrounding areas.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 0.1 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- High exposure to sea level rise
- Erosion Risk
- Moderate erosion risk
Historical Climate Events
East Coast Low brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to coastal erosion and flooding in low-lying areas.
SourceProlonged heatwave with record-breaking temperatures impacted Dawes Point, placing strain on infrastructure and public health services.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 65 | 6.8(+0.3) | 7.2(+0.7) |
| bushfire | 25 | 2.6(+0.1) | 2.7(+0.2) |
| heat | 70 | 7.6(+0.6) | 8.0(+1.0) |
| coastal | 72 | 7.6(+0.4) | 8.3(+1.1) |
By 2030, Dawes Point is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, increased coastal inundation, and a higher risk of flooding. Sea level rise will continue to threaten coastal infrastructure and property.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Upgrade Coastal Defenses
ImmediateInvest in upgrading seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect Dawes Point from sea level rise and storm surges.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImprove Drainage Infrastructure
Near-termImprove drainage infrastructure to reduce the risk of flooding from heavy rainfall events.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreImplement Heatwave Management Plan
ImmediateDevelop and implement a heatwave management plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn morePromote Green Infrastructure
Long-termPromote the use of green infrastructure, such as green roofs and urban forests, to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve stormwater management.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Dawes Point's Climate Risk Profile
Dawes Point, a historic harbourside suburb in Sydney, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's low-lying coastal location makes it particularly susceptible to sea level rise and storm surges, which can lead to coastal inundation and erosion. Key infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and heritage sites, are at risk.
Flooding is another significant concern for Dawes Point. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels can overwhelm drainage systems and cause widespread flooding. This can disrupt transportation, damage property, and pose a threat to public safety.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Sydney, and Dawes Point is not immune. The urban heat island effect can exacerbate these impacts, leading to higher temperatures and increased health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
While the risk of bushfire is relatively low due to the suburb's urban environment, ember attack from distant fires remains a potential threat. It is important for residents to be aware of bushfire safety measures and to prepare their properties accordingly.
Addressing these climate risks requires a comprehensive approach that includes mitigation measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as adaptation strategies to protect the community from the impacts of climate change. This includes investing in infrastructure upgrades, implementing stricter building codes, and raising community awareness about climate risks and adaptation options.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SES NSW · City of Sydney Council
Local Government Resources
City of Sydney
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks facing Dawes Point?
Dawes Point is primarily at risk from sea level rise, coastal inundation, flooding, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to climate change.
How will sea level rise affect Dawes Point?
Sea level rise will lead to more frequent and extensive coastal inundation, threatening infrastructure, property, and heritage sites in Dawes Point.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Dawes Point?
The City of Sydney is implementing a range of measures to address climate change, including upgrading coastal defenses, improving drainage infrastructure, and promoting green infrastructure.
How can residents prepare for heatwaves in Dawes Point?
Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Dawes Point?
You can find more information about climate change risks in Dawes Point on the City of Sydney website, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website, and the CSIRO website.
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