Climate Risk in Eastwood, NSW

Eastwood, New South Wales· City of Ryde· 2122
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Eastwood faces a moderate climate risk, primarily driven by increased flooding and heatwave events. While bushfire and coastal risks are relatively low, the suburb needs to adapt to the changing climate to protect its residents and infrastructure.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Eastwood

increasing

Flood

65/100

Eastwood has a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
stable

Bushfire

30/100

Eastwood has a low risk of bushfire due to its urban environment and distance from large bushland areas. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could slightly elevate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

60/100

Eastwood is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Eastwood has a very low risk of coastal hazards due to its distance from the coastline.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
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 Eastwood

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Eastwood is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Eastwood has a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Eastwood has a very low risk of coastal hazards due to its distance from the coastline.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Eastwood has a low risk of bushfire due to its urban environment and distance from large bushland areas. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could slightly elevate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Proximity to vegetation

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

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

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider the long-term climate risks.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Parramatta River
Elevation Range
10-40 meters
Flood Zone
Partially within a 100-year flood zone

Some properties in low-lying areas are susceptible to flash flooding during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Approximately 2 km to Lane Cove National Park
Planning Overlay
Not within a designated bushfire prone area
Bushfire Prone Area
No

The risk is low due to the urban environment, but residents should still be aware of fire safety during hot and dry periods.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
29.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

The urban heat island effect can increase temperatures by several degrees during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

1990
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Eastwood, affecting several properties.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in Eastwood due to heavy rainfall, impacting local businesses and residences.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

Eastwood experienced a prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several days.

Source
2020
floodMinor

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

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)
bushfire303.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
heat606.8(+0.8)7.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Eastwood is projected to experience a notable increase in flood and heatwave risks under a high emissions scenario. Bushfire risk will also slightly increase. Coastal risk remains negligible.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Immediate

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Increase Vegetation Cover

Near-term

Plant more trees and vegetation to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

Create a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Raise Awareness of Climate Risks

Long-term

Educate residents about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Eastwood's Climate Risk Profile

Eastwood, a suburb in Sydney's north, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks are associated with flooding and heatwaves, which are projected to become more frequent and intense in the coming decades. The suburb's location near waterways makes it susceptible to flooding, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk by increasing rainfall intensity.

Heatwaves are another significant concern for Eastwood. As temperatures rise, the suburb will experience more days of extreme heat, posing a threat to vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect, caused by the concentration of buildings and paved surfaces, can further amplify the impact of heatwaves.

While bushfire risk is relatively low due to the suburb's urban environment, it is not entirely absent. Increased temperatures and drier conditions could elevate the risk, particularly in areas adjacent to vegetation. Coastal risks are minimal due to Eastwood's distance from the coastline.

To mitigate these risks, Eastwood needs to implement adaptation measures, such as improving drainage infrastructure, increasing vegetation cover, and developing heatwave management plans. These actions will help protect the suburb's residents and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · City of Ryde

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Eastwood?

The main climate change risks in Eastwood are increased flooding and more frequent and intense heatwaves.

How will climate change affect property values in Eastwood?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased flood risk.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Eastwood?

The City of Ryde is implementing various measures to address climate change, including upgrading drainage infrastructure and increasing vegetation cover.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Eastwood?

Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

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

You can find more information about flood risks on the City of Ryde website and the NSW State Emergency Service website.

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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