Climate Risk in East Kurrajong, NSW

East Kurrajong, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

East Kurrajong faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. The risk of these hazards is projected to increase in the future due to climate change. Residents should take steps to prepare for these risks.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for East Kurrajong

increasing

Flood

65/100

East Kurrajong experiences a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and varied terrain. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

East Kurrajong faces a high risk of bushfires due to its location surrounded by bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
increasing

Heat

50/100

East Kurrajong 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

East Kurrajong has a very low risk from coastal hazards 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 East Kurrajong

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

East Kurrajong 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

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

East Kurrajong experiences a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and varied terrain. 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

10/100

East Kurrajong has a very low risk from coastal hazards due to its inland location.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

East Kurrajong faces a high risk of bushfires due to its location surrounded by bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Stronger winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

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

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 the property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
  • 3.Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider the potential impact of climate change on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Hawkesbury River
Elevation Range
50-200m
Flood Zone
Areas near the Hawkesbury River are prone to flooding.

Historical flood data indicates that East Kurrajong has experienced several significant flood events in the past.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Surrounded by bushland
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

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

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase in the future.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

1990
floodModerate

Major flooding of the Hawkesbury River impacted East Kurrajong, causing property damage and displacement.

Source
2001
bushfireMajor

Bushfires threatened East Kurrajong, requiring evacuations and causing property damage.

Source
2013
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in East Kurrajong, inundating homes and businesses.

Source
2019
bushfireMajor

The 2019-2020 bushfires severely impacted the region around East Kurrajong, with significant smoke haze and ember attacks.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.1(+0.6)
bushfire707.4(+0.4)7.8(+0.8)
heat505.6(+0.6)6.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, East Kurrajong is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood, bushfire, and heat risks.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in flood mitigation infrastructure, such as levees and drainage systems, to reduce the impact of flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Prevention

Immediate

Implement bushfire prevention strategies, such as controlled burns and vegetation management, to reduce the risk of bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Preparedness

Near-term

Develop a heatwave preparedness plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education

Long-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures to increase community resilience.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About East Kurrajong's Climate Risk Profile

East Kurrajong, located in New South Wales, is susceptible to a range of climate-related hazards. The suburb's proximity to waterways and surrounding bushland increases its vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.

Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, with projections indicating more frequent and intense rainfall events, leading to increased flood risk. Rising temperatures and drier conditions will also contribute to a higher bushfire risk.

Heatwaves are also expected to become more common and severe, posing a threat to vulnerable populations. While coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's inland location, the overall impact of climate change on East Kurrajong is significant.

Understanding these risks and taking appropriate adaptation measures is crucial for ensuring the long-term resilience of the community. This includes investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, implementing bushfire prevention strategies, and preparing for heatwaves.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW State Emergency Service · NSW Rural Fire Service · Hawkesbury City Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in East Kurrajong?

The main climate risks in East Kurrajong are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How can I prepare for flooding in East Kurrajong?

You can prepare for flooding by checking flood maps, assessing your property's vulnerability, obtaining adequate insurance coverage, and developing a flood emergency plan.

What should I do during a bushfire in East Kurrajong?

During a bushfire, follow the advice of emergency services, evacuate if necessary, and protect your property by clearing vegetation and having a bushfire survival plan.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave in East Kurrajong?

During a heatwave, stay hydrated, stay cool, avoid strenuous activity, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find more information about climate change in East Kurrajong?

You can find more information about climate change in East Kurrajong from the Hawkesbury City Council, the NSW State Emergency Service, and the Bureau of Meteorology.

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 East Kurrajong, use our analysis tool.

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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