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Climate Risk in Finley, New South Wales

Finley, New South Wales· Berrigan· 2713
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Finley is a rural town in the Riverina region of NSW. It faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change. Bushfire risk is relatively low.

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 Finley

increasing

Flood

65/100

Finley is located on relatively flat land, making it susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and overflowing waterways. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Flat topography
stable

Bushfire

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Finley is relatively low compared to other regions in NSW, but still present due to surrounding grasslands and agricultural land. Hot, dry conditions can increase the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Hot weather
increasing

Heat

60/100

Finley experiences hot summers, and climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Finley is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

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 Finley

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

60/100

Finley experiences hot summers, and climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Finley is located on relatively flat land, making it susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and overflowing waterways. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Flat topography
  • ·Proximity to waterways

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Finley is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from the coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Finley is relatively low compared to other regions in NSW, but still present due to surrounding grasslands and agricultural land. Hot, dry conditions can increase the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Hot weather
  • ·Wind

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood risk.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider the potential impact of climate change on insurance premiums.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Billabong Creek
Elevation Range
120-130m
Flood Zone
Areas adjacent to Billabong Creek are prone to flooding.

Local knowledge suggests that areas near the creek have experienced flooding in the past.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Several kilometers to the nearest significant bushland.
Planning Overlay
Check NSW RFS website for current bushfire prone area maps.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is primarily agricultural, but grasslands can pose a fire risk.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves can be a significant health concern during summer.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in Finley and surrounding areas, impacting agricultural land and infrastructure.

Source
2017
floodMinor

Minor flooding occurred in low-lying areas of Finley due to heavy rainfall.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

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

Source
2023
floodModerate

Significant rainfall led to flooding in and around Finley, affecting roads and some properties.

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)7.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Finley is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and flooding. Bushfire risk may also increase slightly. Coastal risks remain negligible.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve flood defenses

Near-term

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

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a heatwave management plan

Immediate

Implement strategies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, such as cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance bushfire preparedness

Long-term

Implement bushfire prevention measures, such as fuel reduction and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Near-term

Encourage water-efficient practices to address potential water scarcity issues related to climate change.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Finley's Climate Risk Profile

Finley is situated in an agricultural area, and its climate is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The primary climate-related risks for Finley are flooding and heatwaves. Increased rainfall intensity due to climate change is projected to exacerbate flood risk, potentially impacting infrastructure and agriculture.

Heatwaves are also a concern, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves can lead to heat stress and other health problems.

While bushfire risk is lower compared to other parts of NSW, it is still a factor to consider, especially during dry periods. The surrounding grasslands and agricultural land can provide fuel for fires.

Coastal risks are minimal due to Finley's inland location. However, the broader region may experience indirect impacts from climate change, such as changes in water availability and agricultural productivity.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · Berrigan Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Berrigan Shire Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Finley?

The main climate change risks for Finley are increased flooding and more frequent and intense heatwaves.

How will climate change affect property values in Finley?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions due to increased flood risk.

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

Berrigan Shire Council is developing strategies to mitigate flood risk and promote water conservation.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Finley?

You can find information about flood risks on the Berrigan Shire Council website and the NSW SES website.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Finley?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Finley, use our analysis tool.

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