Climate Risk in Erina, NSW

Erina, New South Wales· Central Coast· 2250
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Erina faces a medium overall climate risk, with the most significant threats being flooding and heatwaves. The risk is projected to increase in the future due to climate change, particularly with more intense rainfall and rising temperatures. Residents should prepare for these potential impacts.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Erina

increasing

Flood

60/100

Erina faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and overflowing creeks. The risk is expected to increase with climate change due to more intense rainfall.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
stable

Bushfire

40/100

Erina has a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

60/100

Erina is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

50/100

Erina experiences a moderate coastal risk due to potential sea level rise and storm surges. Coastal erosion and inundation could impact properties and infrastructure near the coastline.

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 Erina

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Erina is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.8

2050

7.5

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Erina faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and overflowing creeks. The risk is expected to increase with climate change due to more intense rainfall.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Sea level rise affecting drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.2

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Erina experiences a moderate coastal risk due to potential sea level rise and storm surges. Coastal erosion and inundation could impact properties and infrastructure near the coastline.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.3

2050

5.8

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Erina has a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider potential impacts of sea level rise if near the coast.
  • 4.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Terrigal Lagoon
Elevation Range
5-100 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near Terrigal Lagoon and creeks are prone to flooding.

Historical flood events have impacted properties near Terrigal Lagoon. Council is undertaking flood mitigation works.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

Properties bordering bushland are at higher risk. Residents should maintain firebreaks and have a bushfire survival plan.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
28.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves can cause heat stress and dehydration. Vulnerable populations are at higher risk.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
3 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas near Terrigal are potentially exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Some coastal erosion is present along Terrigal Beach.

Historical Climate Events

2007
floodModerate

Major flooding occurred in the Central Coast region, impacting Erina and surrounding areas. Heavy rainfall caused widespread inundation and damage to properties.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

Bushfires impacted areas near Erina, causing property damage and evacuations. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds fueled the fires.

Source
2017
stormModerate

Severe storms caused damage to properties and infrastructure in Erina. Strong winds and heavy rainfall led to power outages and flooding.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Erina experienced a prolonged heatwave with record-breaking temperatures. This put strain on the community and increased the risk of 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)
heat606.8(+0.8)7.5(+1.5)
coastal505.3(+0.3)5.7(+0.7)

By 2030, Erina is projected to experience a notable increase in overall climate risk, with heatwaves and flooding posing the most significant challenges. Bushfire and coastal risks are also expected to rise moderately.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

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

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement stricter building codes in bushfire-prone areas and provide residents with resources to prepare for bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Action Plan

Immediate

Create a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events. This should include cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Plan for Sea Level Rise

Long-term

Develop a long-term plan to address the impacts of sea level rise on coastal properties and infrastructure. This may include managed retreat and coastal protection measures.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Near-term

Implement community education programs to raise awareness about climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Erina's Climate Risk Profile

Erina, located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, is exposed to a range of climate-related risks. Flooding is a primary concern, with potential for heavy rainfall to cause overflowing creeks and inundation of low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk, leading to more frequent and intense rainfall events.

Bushfire risk is also present due to the suburb's proximity to bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can create a heightened risk of bushfires, particularly during the summer months. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and maintain their properties accordingly.

Heatwaves are another growing concern for Erina. Rising global temperatures are expected to lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. It is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on elderly neighbors during heatwaves.

Coastal risks, including sea level rise and storm surges, also pose a threat to Erina. Properties and infrastructure near the coastline could be impacted by erosion and inundation. Planning for future sea level rise is essential to mitigate these risks.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW SES · Central Coast Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Erina?

The main climate risks in Erina are flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as sea level rise.

How is the Central Coast Council addressing climate change?

The Central Coast Council is developing and implementing climate strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

What can I do to prepare for flooding in Erina?

You can prepare for flooding by checking flood maps, having an emergency plan, and ensuring your property is adequately insured.

How can I protect myself during a heatwave in Erina?

During a heatwave, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on elderly neighbors.

Where can I find information about bushfire risks in Erina?

You can find information about bushfire risks on the NSW Rural Fire Service website and the Central Coast Council website.

Will climate change affect property values in Erina?

Climate change may affect property values in Erina, particularly in areas that are at high risk of flooding, bushfires, or coastal hazards.

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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