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PROPERTY ANALYTICS

Climate Risk in Evans Head, NSW

Evans Head, New South Wales· Richmond Valley· 2473
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Evans Head faces increasing climate risks, particularly from flooding and coastal hazards. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events. Adaptation measures are crucial to protect the community and its assets.

Overall Risk Score

5.8/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
7.5
Bushfire
4.2
Heat
6.1
Coastal
5.4

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

6.1/10

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

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.6

2050

7.1

Data source

flood Risk

7.5/10

Evans Head is located on the Evans River and near the coast, making it susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall events and sea levels, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.0

2050

8.5

Data source

coastal Risk

5.4/10

Evans Head is located on the coast and is vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion. Climate change is expected to accelerate these processes, threatening coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.9

2050

6.4

Data source

bushfire Risk

4.2/10

Evans Head has areas of bushland nearby, which can pose a bushfire risk during hot and dry conditions. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfire weather.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased frequency of extreme fire weather

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.7

2050

5.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may 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 area maps.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to sea level rise.
  • 3.Consider the cost of insurance and potential for increased premiums.
  • 4.Inquire about council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Evans River
Elevation Range
0-10 meters
Flood Zone
Areas adjacent to the Evans River are designated as flood zones.

Historical flood events have impacted low-lying areas of Evans Head.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 1km of bushland areas
Planning Overlay
RFS bushfire prone area map available on Richmond Valley Council website.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should maintain their properties to reduce bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

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

Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas are exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Coastal erosion is an ongoing concern.

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodModerate

Major flooding event impacted the Richmond River catchment, affecting Evans Head.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted areas near Evans Head, causing smoke haze and property damage.

Source
2017
stormMinor

Severe storm caused damage to coastal infrastructure and properties.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood7.58.0(+0.5)8.5(+1.0)
bushfire4.24.5(+0.3)4.9(+0.7)
heat6.16.5(+0.4)6.9(+0.8)
coastal5.46.0(+0.6)6.6(+1.2)

By 2030, Evans Head is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with the most significant impacts from flooding and coastal hazards. Heatwaves and bushfire risk are also expected to increase.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade flood defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees and drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement coastal management strategies

Near-term

Develop and implement strategies to manage coastal erosion and sea level rise, such as beach nourishment and seawalls.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Improve bushfire preparedness

Immediate

Implement measures to reduce bushfire risk, such as vegetation management and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a heatwave response plan

Near-term

Develop and implement a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, such as providing cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Evans Head's Climate Risk Profile

Evans Head, a coastal town in New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The town's location on the Evans River and near the coast makes it particularly susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity of rainfall events and sea levels, exacerbating flood risk and potentially impacting homes and infrastructure.

Bushfire risk is also a concern for Evans Head, with areas of bushland nearby. Hot and dry conditions, which are expected to become more frequent and intense due to climate change, can increase the risk of bushfires. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and have a plan in place.

Heatwaves are another growing threat to Evans Head. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, which can pose a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. It is important to stay cool and hydrated during heatwaves.

Coastal erosion and sea level rise are also significant concerns for Evans Head. The town's coastal location makes it vulnerable to these processes, which are expected to accelerate due to climate change. This could threaten coastal infrastructure, ecosystems, and property values. Adaptation measures, such as beach nourishment and seawalls, may be necessary to protect the coastline.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · Richmond Valley Council

Local Government Resources

Richmond Valley Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Evans Head?

The main climate change risks for Evans Head are flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion.

How is the council preparing for climate change?

The Richmond Valley Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to address the risks posed by climate change.

What can I do to protect my property from flooding?

You can take steps to protect your property from flooding, such as raising your home, installing flood barriers, and purchasing flood insurance.

How can I prepare for a bushfire?

You can prepare for a bushfire by clearing vegetation around your home, having a bushfire survival plan, and knowing the fire danger ratings.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Evans Head?

You can find more information about climate change in Evans Head on the Richmond Valley Council website and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website.

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