Climate Risk Assessment: Five Ways, NSW

Five Ways, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Five Ways, NSW, faces increasing risks from heatwaves and localised flooding. Bushfire risk is moderate, while coastal risks are minimal. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Five Ways

increasing

Flood

40/100

The suburb may experience localised flooding during heavy rainfall events due to its topography and drainage infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
stable

Bushfire

30/100

Five Ways has a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety guidelines.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

The suburb is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, impacting vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's distance from the coastline.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
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 Five Ways

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

The suburb is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, impacting vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

The suburb may experience localised flooding during heavy rainfall events due to its topography and drainage infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Aging infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's distance from the coastline.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Five Ways has a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety guidelines.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to flood and heat risks.

Price Impact

Potential for moderate price impact in the long term.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood history of the property.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heat.
  • 3.Review bushfire safety measures.
  • 4.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local stormwater drains
Elevation Range
Variable
Flood Zone
Potentially affected by flash flooding

Local drainage systems may be overwhelmed during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 1km
Planning Overlay
Check NSW RFS website
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should maintain a defensible space around their properties.

Heat Evidence

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

Urban heat island effect contributes to higher temperatures.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
10 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not directly exposed
Erosion Risk
Low

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localised flooding in low-lying areas.

Source
2020
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions impacted vulnerable residents.

Source
2019
bushfireMinor

Bushfires in surrounding areas caused smoky conditions.

Source
2015
stormModerate

Severe storm caused power outages and property damage.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.5(+0.5)5.0(+1.0)
bushfire303.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
heat707.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Five Ways is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a moderate increase in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk will slightly increase. Coastal risks remain low.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade and expand local drainage systems to mitigate flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Develop and implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness Programs

Near-term

Promote bushfire preparedness programs and community education.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Green Infrastructure Initiatives

Long-term

Implement green infrastructure initiatives to reduce the urban heat island effect.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Resilience Building

Near-term

Establish community-based programs to enhance resilience to climate-related disasters.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Five Ways's Climate Risk Profile

Five Ways is a suburb in New South Wales that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns are rising temperatures leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, and increased rainfall intensity causing localised flooding.

The suburb's location and urban density contribute to the urban heat island effect, exacerbating the impact of rising temperatures. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk during heatwaves.

While Five Ways is not directly on the coast, changes in rainfall patterns and increased storm intensity can lead to localised flooding. Aging infrastructure and inadequate drainage systems can further compound these issues.

Bushfire risk is moderate due to the proximity of bushland areas. Residents should maintain awareness of bushfire safety guidelines and prepare their properties accordingly. Coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's distance from the coastline.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Five Ways?

The main risks are increasing heatwaves and localised flooding due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk is moderate, while coastal risks are minimal.

How will climate change affect property values in Five Ways?

Climate change may have a moderate impact on property values in the long term, particularly for properties vulnerable to flooding or heat. Insurance premiums may also increase.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves?

Residents should stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, check on vulnerable neighbours, and follow heat safety guidelines from NSW Health.

What should I do to prepare my property for potential flooding?

Check the flood history of your property, ensure adequate drainage, and consider flood-proofing measures. Refer to the SES NSW website for guidance.

Is Five Ways in a bushfire-prone area?

Yes, Five Ways is located near bushland and is considered a bushfire-prone area. Residents should maintain a defensible space around their properties and follow bushfire safety guidelines.

Where can I find more information about local climate change initiatives?

Check the local council's website and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment for information on climate change strategies and initiatives.

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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