Climate Risk Assessment: Dondingalong, NSW

Dondingalong, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Dondingalong faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather events in the future.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Dondingalong

increasing

Flood

60/100

Dondingalong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways 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

40/100

The risk of bushfires in Dondingalong is moderate, given the surrounding bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

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

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risks are minimal in Dondingalong due to its inland location.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast
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 Dondingalong

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

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

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

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

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risks are minimal in Dondingalong due to its inland location.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The risk of bushfires in Dondingalong is moderate, given the surrounding bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades to reduce cooling costs.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Hastings River
Elevation Range
10-30 meters
Flood Zone
Low-lying areas near the Hastings River

Historical flood data indicates that properties near the Hastings River are most vulnerable.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

Properties bordering the state forest are at higher risk during bushfire season.

Heat Evidence

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

Elderly residents and those with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable to heat stress.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
25 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not applicable
Erosion Risk
Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

The Hastings River experienced moderate flooding, affecting low-lying areas of Dondingalong.

Source
2017
stormMinor

A severe storm caused localized flooding and power outages in Dondingalong.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the surrounding region caused smoky conditions and increased fire risk in Dondingalong.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
bushfire404.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
heat707.7(+0.7)8.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Dondingalong is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a moderate increase in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk will also slightly increase.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

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

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

Implement a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness Programs

Near-term

Conduct community workshops and provide resources to help residents prepare for bushfires.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce strain on water resources during droughts and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Dondingalong's Climate Risk Profile

Dondingalong, NSW, is projected to experience increased climate-related risks in the coming decades. The primary concerns are flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. Changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are expected to exacerbate these risks.

Flooding is a significant concern due to the suburb's proximity to waterways. Increased rainfall intensity will likely lead to more frequent and severe flood events. Residents should be aware of flood risks and take appropriate precautions.

Heatwaves are also expected to become more common and intense, posing a threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations. It is important to stay informed about heatwave warnings and take steps to stay cool during hot weather.

Bushfire risk is moderate, with the potential for increased fire activity due to hotter, drier conditions. Residents should maintain their properties to reduce fuel loads and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

While coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's inland location, the overall impact of climate change will require proactive adaptation measures to protect the community and its assets.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Local Government Resources

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Dondingalong?

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

How can I prepare my home for flooding?

Elevate appliances, store valuables above flood level, and ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities.

How can I protect my property from bushfires?

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

Where can I find more information about emergency preparedness?

Visit the NSW Emergency Services website or contact your local council for resources and advice.

Get your property's risk report

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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