Climate Risk Assessment for Ettrick, New South Wales

Ettrick, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Ettrick faces moderate climate risks, primarily related to flooding and heatwaves. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and take steps to mitigate their impact.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Ettrick

increasing

Flood

60/100

Ettrick faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

The bushfire risk in Ettrick is moderate, influenced by surrounding vegetation and dry conditions. Climate change may lead to longer fire seasons and increased fire intensity.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

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

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risks are minimal in Ettrick due to its inland location. Sea-level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from the 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 Ettrick

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

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

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Ettrick faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
  • ·Low-lying areas

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risks are minimal in Ettrick due to its inland location. Sea-level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from the coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The bushfire risk in Ettrick is moderate, influenced by surrounding vegetation and dry conditions. Climate change may lead to longer fire seasons and increased fire intensity.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation density

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and heatwave risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Clarence River
Elevation Range
50-70m
Flood Zone
Potentially affected areas near Clarence River

Historical flood data indicates past events have impacted low-lying areas near the river.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
500m
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas to the west of Ettrick are designated as bushfire prone.

Heat Evidence

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

Average January maximum temperatures are expected to rise in the coming years.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

The Clarence River experienced moderate flooding, impacting low-lying areas in and around Ettrick.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the surrounding region caused smoky conditions and increased fire danger in Ettrick.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

Ettrick experienced a prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 35°C for several days.

Source
2020
floodMinor

Minor flooding occurred along the Clarence River, with some localized impacts in Ettrick.

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)
bushfire404.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
heat707.7(+0.7)8.3(+1.3)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Ettrick is projected to experience a noticeable increase in flood and heatwave risks. Bushfire risk will also slightly increase. Coastal risks remain minimal.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risks, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a community-based heat action plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Conduct regular bushfire risk assessments and implement mitigation measures, such as vegetation management.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation practices to reduce water stress during periods of drought and heat.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Ettrick's Climate Risk Profile

Ettrick, NSW, is exposed to several climate-related risks that are projected to intensify in the coming decades. The primary concerns are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall and rising average temperatures leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves.

The risk of flooding is exacerbated by the suburb's proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change models predict an increase in rainfall intensity, which could lead to more frequent and severe flood events. Residents and property owners should be aware of flood risks and take appropriate precautions.

Rising average temperatures pose a significant threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The number of heat stress events per year is expected to increase, placing additional strain on healthcare services.

While bushfire risk is present, it is considered moderate compared to other parts of NSW. However, longer fire seasons and drier conditions could increase the likelihood of bushfires in the future. Coastal risks are minimal due to Ettrick's inland location.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Ettrick?

The main climate change risks in Ettrick are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall and rising average temperatures leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves. There is also a moderate risk of bushfires.

How will climate change affect property values in Ettrick?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price stagnation or decline. Increased insurance premiums due to flood and heatwave risks may also affect property values.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Ettrick?

Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Consider installing air conditioning or visiting a cooling center.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Ettrick?

Contact the local council or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website for flood maps and information about flood preparedness.

How can I reduce my carbon footprint in Ettrick?

Conserve energy, use public transportation, reduce waste, and support local businesses that are committed to sustainability.

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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