Climate Risk in Dural, New South Wales

Dural, New South Wales· Hills Shire· 2158
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Dural faces moderate risks from flooding and bushfires, with increasing heat risk due to climate change. Its distance from the coast mitigates coastal risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.2/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
5.8
Heat
4.2
Coastal
1.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

4.2/10

Dural experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves expected in the future.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.7

2050

5.2

Data source

flood Risk

6.5/10

Dural faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location within the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

1.0/10

Dural has a very low coastal risk due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

5.8/10

Dural has a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased ignition sources

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.3

2050

6.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
  • 3.Consider the cost of insurance and potential mitigation measures.
  • 4.Review council's climate change adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Hawkesbury River
Elevation Range
60-120m
Flood Zone
Areas adjacent to waterways are prone to flooding.

Historical flood data indicates that properties near creeks and low-lying areas are most vulnerable.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to significant bushland reserves.
Planning Overlay
Bushfire Prone Land Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties in bushfire-prone areas are subject to specific building regulations and fire safety requirements.

Heat Evidence

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

Elderly residents and those with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

1990
floodModerate

Major flooding in the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system affected low-lying areas of Dural.

Source
2002
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the surrounding areas threatened properties in Dural.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Significant rainfall caused flash flooding in parts of Dural.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

A small bushfire broke out near residential areas, but was quickly contained.

Source
2020
stormModerate

Severe storms caused damage to trees and power outages in Dural.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.57.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire5.86.2(+0.4)6.6(+0.8)
heat4.24.4(+0.2)4.7(+0.5)
coastal1.01.01.0

By 2030, Dural is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by increased flood and bushfire risk. Heat risk is also expected to rise, while coastal risk remains negligible.

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

Implement bushfire management strategies

Immediate

Conduct regular hazard reduction burns and maintain firebreaks to reduce the risk of bushfires spreading to residential areas.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote energy efficiency and green infrastructure

Long-term

Encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances and building materials, and promote the planting of trees and green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Develop community awareness programs

Near-term

Educate residents about climate change risks and adaptation measures, and provide resources to help them prepare for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Strengthen building codes

Long-term

Update building codes to ensure that new buildings are more resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding and bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Dural's Climate Risk Profile

Dural, located in the Hills District of Sydney, is characterized by a mix of residential areas and rural landscapes. This unique setting contributes to its vulnerability to various climate-related hazards.

Flooding is a significant concern for Dural, particularly due to its location within the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment. Intense rainfall events can overwhelm local waterways and drainage systems, leading to flash flooding and riverine flooding. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk, with more frequent and intense rainfall events projected for the region.

Bushfire risk is also a factor in Dural, given its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can create ideal conditions for bushfires to spread rapidly. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfires in the region, posing a greater threat to properties and lives.

Heat risk is also increasing in Dural, with average temperatures rising and more frequent heatwaves expected. This can lead to heat stress and other health problems, particularly for vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect can further exacerbate heat risk in built-up areas.

While Dural is located inland, the increasing impacts of climate change require proactive adaptation measures to protect the community and environment.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW State Emergency Service · Hills Shire Council · NSW Rural Fire Service

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Dural?

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

How can I prepare my property for flooding in Dural?

You can prepare your property for flooding by elevating appliances, installing flood barriers, and ensuring that your property is properly drained. Check the Hills Shire Council flood maps for detailed information.

What should I do during a bushfire in Dural?

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 Dural?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned buildings, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on elderly neighbors and other vulnerable people.

What is the Hills Shire Council doing to address climate change?

The Hills Shire Council is implementing a range of measures to address climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and adapting to the impacts of climate change. See their sustainability strategy for more details.

Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Dural?

You can find more information about climate change risks in Dural from the Hills Shire Council, the NSW State Emergency Service, and the Bureau of Meteorology.

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