Climate Risk in Dulguigan, New South Wales

Dulguigan, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Dulguigan faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's proximity to the Tweed River increases its vulnerability to flooding, while rising temperatures pose a threat to public health. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
3.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Dulguigan

increasing

Flood

60/100

Dulguigan faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Tweed River and surrounding waterways. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate flood events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

The risk of bushfire in Dulguigan is moderate, given the presence of surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

Dulguigan is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

30/100

Coastal risks are relatively low in Dulguigan due to its inland location. However, sea level rise and storm surges could indirectly affect the region.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
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 Dulguigan

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Dulguigan is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks, especially for 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

Dulguigan faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Tweed River and surrounding waterways. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate flood events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Inadequate drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

30/100

Coastal risks are relatively low in Dulguigan due to its inland location. However, sea level rise and storm surges could indirectly affect the region.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.0

2050

3.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The risk of bushfire in Dulguigan is moderate, given the presence of surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Strong winds

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 heatwave risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be moderately affected by climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.
  • 4.Review local council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Tweed River
Elevation Range
5-15 meters
Flood Zone
Likely floodplain

Dulguigan is situated in a low-lying area adjacent to the Tweed River, making it susceptible to riverine flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 1km
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas surrounding Dulguigan are designated as bushfire-prone, requiring residents to take precautions during the fire season.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Dulguigan experiences hot summers, with average maximum temperatures in January exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
10 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low
Erosion Risk
Low

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodModerate

Major flooding occurred in the Tweed River catchment, impacting Dulguigan and surrounding areas.

Source
2020
bushfireMinor

Bushfires in the region caused smoky conditions in Dulguigan.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Dulguigan experienced a prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius for several days.

Source
2017
stormMinor

A severe thunderstorm caused localized flooding and power outages in Dulguigan.

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)8.5(+1.5)
coastal303.1(+0.1)3.2(+0.2)

By 2030, Dulguigan is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with the most significant impacts stemming from increased flooding and more frequent heatwaves.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in flood levees and drainage systems to protect properties from inundation.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan with cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Conduct community education programs and maintain firebreaks to reduce bushfire risk.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to mitigate the impacts of drought and water scarcity.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade Building Codes

Long-term

Update building codes to ensure new constructions are resilient to climate change impacts.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Dulguigan's Climate Risk Profile

Dulguigan, located in New South Wales, is subject to a range of climate-related risks that are expected to intensify in the coming decades. The primary concerns for this suburb include increased flooding due to its location near the Tweed River, as well as the growing threat of heatwaves.

Flooding is a significant risk for Dulguigan. The Tweed River and surrounding waterways can overflow during periods of heavy rainfall, inundating residential and commercial areas. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall events, further exacerbating the risk of flooding in the region. Effective flood management strategies and infrastructure improvements are essential to mitigate these risks.

Heatwaves are another growing concern for Dulguigan. As average temperatures rise, the suburb is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing health risks to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Implementing heat action plans and providing access to cooling centers can help protect residents during extreme heat events.

While coastal risks are relatively low due to Dulguigan's inland location, the suburb could still be indirectly affected by sea level rise and storm surges. Changes in weather patterns and increased storm intensity could have cascading effects on the region, impacting infrastructure and essential services.

Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort involving local government, community organizations, and individual residents. By implementing adaptation measures and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Dulguigan can build resilience and protect its community from the impacts of climate change.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Dulguigan?

Dulguigan is primarily at risk from flooding due to its proximity to the Tweed River, as well as increasing heatwaves. Bushfire risk is also a concern.

How will climate change affect property values in Dulguigan?

Climate change may moderately affect property values in Dulguigan, particularly for properties located in flood-prone areas or those vulnerable to heatwaves. Insurance costs may also increase.

What is the local council doing to address climate change?

The local council is developing climate adaptation plans to address the risks of flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. These plans include measures to improve flood defenses, promote water conservation, and enhance bushfire preparedness.

How can residents prepare for heatwaves in Dulguigan?

Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. It is also important to have a heat action plan in place.

What should I do if my property is flooded in Dulguigan?

If your property is flooded, prioritize your safety and the safety of your family. Contact emergency services if necessary, and follow their instructions. Once the floodwaters recede, contact your insurance company and begin the cleanup process.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Dulguigan?

You can find more information about flood risks in Dulguigan on the local council's website or by contacting the State Emergency Service (SES).

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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