Climate Risk Profile: Drake, NSW

Drake, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Drake faces increasing risks from floods, bushfires, and heatwaves due to climate change. The suburb's proximity to bushland and waterways contributes to these vulnerabilities. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
N/A

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Drake

increasing

Flood

65/100

Drake is located near waterways and experiences moderate rainfall, increasing its flood risk. Climate change is expected to intensify rainfall events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Drake has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to worsen this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry climate
increasing

Heat

50/100

Drake experiences moderately high temperatures during summer. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Increasing global temperatures
stable

Coastal

0/100

Drake is not located near the coast, therefore the coastal risk is negligible.

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 Drake

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Drake experiences moderately high temperatures during summer. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Increasing global temperatures

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Drake is located near waterways and experiences moderate rainfall, increasing its flood risk. Climate change is expected to intensify rainfall events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

0/100

Drake is not located near the coast, therefore the coastal risk is negligible.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

0.0

2050

0.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Drake has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to worsen this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry climate
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums are likely to increase due to the elevated risk of floods and bushfires.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood and bushfire risk maps.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to extreme weather.
  • 3.Review insurance options and costs.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate projections.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Timbarra River
Elevation Range
300-400m
Flood Zone
Moderate

The Timbarra River can experience rapid rises in water levels during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

The area is designated as bushfire prone, requiring specific building standards for new constructions.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Elderly and vulnerable residents are particularly at risk during heatwave events.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
150 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not Applicable
Erosion Risk
Not Applicable

Historical Climate Events

2019
bushfireMajor

Severe bushfires impacted the region, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Timbarra River, affecting low-lying areas.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source
2020
floodMinor

Localized flooding occurred due to intense rainfall, causing minor disruptions.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.2(+0.7)
bushfire707.4(+0.4)7.8(+0.8)
heat505.2(+0.2)5.5(+0.5)
coastal00.00.0

By 2030, Drake is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and bushfire risks due to more extreme weather events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a community emergency plan

Immediate

Create a plan that outlines evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and procedures for different types of disasters.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve building resilience

Near-term

Retrofit homes with fire-resistant materials, install rainwater tanks, and elevate structures in flood-prone areas.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance early warning systems

Immediate

Implement a system to provide timely alerts about impending floods, bushfires, and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Restore and protect natural ecosystems

Long-term

Rehabilitate riparian zones to reduce flood risk and manage vegetation to minimize bushfire hazards.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Drake's Climate Risk Profile

Drake is a rural locality in New South Wales, characterized by its natural beauty and proximity to bushland and waterways. This environment, while appealing, also presents significant climate-related challenges.

The primary risks facing Drake are floods, bushfires, and heatwaves. Increased rainfall intensity and proximity to waterways elevate the flood risk. The surrounding bushland, combined with drier conditions, makes the area highly susceptible to bushfires. Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a threat to public health and infrastructure.

Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks. Projections indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This will require proactive adaptation measures to protect the community and its assets.

Residents and property owners should take steps to mitigate these risks, including preparing emergency plans, maintaining properties to reduce fire hazards, and staying informed about weather warnings. Community-level initiatives and government support are also crucial for building resilience to climate change.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW SES

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Drake?

The main climate risks in Drake are floods, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase due to climate change.

How can I prepare my home for a bushfire?

You can prepare your home by clearing vegetation around the property, installing fire-resistant materials, and having a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a flood?

During a flood, you should move to higher ground, avoid driving through floodwaters, and follow the instructions of emergency services.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, you should stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and seek shelter in air-conditioned environments.

Where can I find more information about climate change impacts in Drake?

You can find more information on the CSIRO website, the Bureau of Meteorology website, and the NSW government's climate change website.

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

Climate Risk in Drake Nsw, NSW: 2026 Assessment | ClimateNest