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Climate Risk Profile: Elizabeth Beach, NSW

Elizabeth Beach, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Elizabeth Beach is a coastal suburb in New South Wales that faces several climate-related risks. These include flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion, which are projected to worsen in the future. Residents should take proactive measures to adapt to these changes.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
6.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Elizabeth Beach

increasing

Flood

60/100

Elizabeth Beach faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to localised flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

40/100

The area around Elizabeth Beach has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

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

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

60/100

Elizabeth Beach is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise. This can impact infrastructure and property values.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 Elizabeth Beach

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

70/100

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

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.3

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Elizabeth Beach faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to localised flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Inadequate drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.2

Data source

coastal Risk

60/100

Elizabeth Beach is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise. This can impact infrastructure and property values.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.8

2050

7.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The area around Elizabeth Beach has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Strong winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone areas.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
  • 3.Inquire about past flood or bushfire events.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Wallis Lake
Elevation Range
0-20m
Flood Zone
Coastal floodplain

Low-lying areas near Wallis Lake are most susceptible to flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

Properties bordering bushland are at higher risk.

Heat Evidence

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

Elderly and those with chronic illnesses are most vulnerable during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
High
Erosion Risk
Moderate

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localised flooding in low-lying areas around Elizabeth Beach.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the region caused smoky conditions and required evacuations.

Source
2020
stormMinor

A severe storm caused damage to property and infrastructure in Elizabeth Beach.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave led to increased hospital admissions for heat-related illnesses.

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)
bushfire404.2(+0.2)4.5(+0.5)
heat707.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal606.7(+0.7)7.3(+1.3)

By 2030, Elizabeth Beach is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave intensity and coastal erosion.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement bushfire management strategies

Immediate

Clear vegetation around properties and develop evacuation plans to reduce bushfire risk.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Develop a heatwave response plan

Near-term

Establish cooling centers and provide support for vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Protect coastal areas

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures such as seawalls and beach nourishment to reduce erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents to conserve water through rainwater harvesting and efficient appliances.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Elizabeth Beach's Climate Risk Profile

Elizabeth Beach, located in New South Wales, is exposed to a range of climate change impacts. The suburb's coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion, threatening infrastructure and property.

Increased rainfall intensity and inadequate drainage contribute to the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. The surrounding bushland also poses a bushfire risk, especially during hot and dry conditions. Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves can impact public health, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Climate projections indicate that these risks will intensify in the coming decades. Sea levels are expected to rise, leading to increased coastal inundation and erosion. Rainfall patterns may become more erratic, increasing the likelihood of both floods and droughts. Higher temperatures will exacerbate the risk of heatwaves and bushfires.

Adapting to these changes will require a combination of individual and community-level actions. This includes investing in flood mitigation measures, implementing bushfire safety strategies, and promoting energy efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Residents should also stay informed about climate risks and take steps to protect their health and property.

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

Local Government Resources

MidCoast Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Elizabeth Beach?

Elizabeth Beach faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion, all of which are expected to worsen with climate change.

How will sea level rise affect Elizabeth Beach?

Sea level rise will increase the risk of coastal inundation and erosion, potentially damaging properties and infrastructure near the coast.

What can I do to protect my property from bushfires?

Clear vegetation around your property, develop a bushfire survival plan, and ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.

Where can I find information about local flood risks?

You can find flood maps and information on the MidCoast Council website and the NSW State Emergency Service website.

How can I prepare for a heatwave?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Is Elizabeth Beach a good place to invest in property given climate change?

While Elizabeth Beach is a desirable location, potential buyers should carefully consider the climate risks and take steps to mitigate them. Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

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Analyse a Property in Elizabeth Beach →

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