ClimateNest
ClimateNest

Climate Risk in Dunoon, NSW

Dunoon, New South Wales· 2480
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Dunoon is a small village in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. The suburb faces moderate risks from flooding and bushfires, with increasing heat risk due to climate change. Residents should be aware of these risks and take appropriate precautions.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
5.0
Heat
4.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Dunoon

increasing

Flood

65/100

Dunoon faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location in a valley and proximity to waterways. Heavy rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
increasing

Bushfire

50/100

Dunoon has a moderate bushfire risk due to the surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
increasing

Heat

40/100

Dunoon experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Dunoon is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from the 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 Dunoon

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs

Insurance Costs

Premium estimates and insurance availability

Investment Score

Climate-adjusted property investment analysis

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

40/100

Dunoon experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Dunoon faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location in a valley and proximity to waterways. Heavy rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
  • ·Aging infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Dunoon is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from the coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

50/100

Dunoon has a moderate bushfire risk due to the surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Changes in land management

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to the increasing risk of flooding and bushfires.

Price Impact

Property values may be affected by the perceived risk of climate change impacts.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
  • 3.Review insurance coverage and premiums.
  • 4.Consider the potential impact of climate change on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Wilsons River
Elevation Range
100-150m
Flood Zone
Likely

The Wilsons River can flood during heavy rain events, impacting low-lying areas of Dunoon.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

The area surrounding Dunoon is designated as bushfire prone, requiring specific building standards for new developments.

Heat Evidence

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

Average January maximum temperatures are expected to increase in the future, leading to more frequent heat stress events.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodMajor

Severe flooding impacted the Northern Rivers region, including Dunoon, causing widespread damage and displacement.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted the region surrounding Dunoon, causing smoke haze and property damage.

Source
2017
floodModerate

Flooding occurred in the Wilsons River catchment, impacting Dunoon and surrounding areas.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood657.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire505.3(+0.3)5.6(+0.6)
heat404.4(+0.4)4.8(+0.8)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Dunoon is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and heat risk due to more intense rainfall events and rising temperatures.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Vegetation Management

Near-term

Implement vegetation management strategies to reduce bushfire risk, such as creating fire breaks and removing flammable materials.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Near-term

Conduct community education programs to raise awareness of climate risks and promote preparedness measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Management Plan

Near-term

Create a heatwave management plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events, including establishing cooling centers and providing support services.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Dunoon's Climate Risk Profile

Dunoon is situated in a valley, making it susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall events. The surrounding bushland also poses a bushfire risk, particularly during hot and dry periods. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, with more frequent and intense heatwaves, increased rainfall intensity, and longer bushfire seasons.

The local council is responsible for managing flood risk and bushfire risk in the area. Residents can access information on flood maps, bushfire prone areas, and emergency services through the council's website and the NSW Rural Fire Service website.

It is important for residents to be prepared for these hazards by developing emergency plans, maintaining their properties, and staying informed about weather conditions and warnings. Insurance coverage should also be reviewed to ensure adequate protection against potential losses.

Climate change projections indicate that Dunoon will experience higher average temperatures, more frequent heatwaves, and increased rainfall intensity in the coming decades. These changes will likely increase the risk of flooding, bushfires, and heat stress. Adaptation measures, such as improving drainage infrastructure, managing vegetation, and providing cooling centers, will be necessary to mitigate these risks.

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

Local Government Resources

UNKNOWN

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Dunoon?

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

How can I prepare for flooding in Dunoon?

You can prepare for flooding by developing an emergency plan, maintaining your property, and staying informed about weather conditions and warnings. Check the local council's website for flood maps and information.

What should I do during a bushfire in Dunoon?

During a bushfire, follow the advice of emergency services. If you are in a bushfire prone area, evacuate early. If you are unable to evacuate, shelter in place in a well-prepared building.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave in Dunoon?

During a heatwave, stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and seek out air-conditioned environments. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Dunoon?

You can find more information about climate change in Dunoon on the local council's website, the NSW government's website, and the CSIRO website.

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 Dunoon, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Dunoon →

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Dunoon's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data
Get Your flood Risk Report — A$69

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