Climate Risk Profile: Gelston Park, NSW

Gelston Park, New South Wales· City of Canterbury Bankstown
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Gelston Park faces moderate climate risks, primarily related to flooding, heatwaves, and coastal inundation. The risk of these hazards is expected to increase in the future due to climate change. Residents should take steps to prepare for these risks and adapt to the changing climate.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Gelston Park

increasing

Flood

65/100

Gelston Park faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Georges River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

30/100

The bushfire risk in Gelston Park is relatively low due to the urban environment and limited vegetation. However, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk during the bushfire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry conditions
  • ·Strong winds
increasing

Heat

60/100

Gelston Park experiences high temperatures during summer, with the risk of heatwaves increasing due to climate change. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, are particularly at risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

50/100

Gelston Park is located near the Georges River, making it susceptible to coastal inundation and erosion. Sea level rise and storm surges are expected to increase the risk of coastal hazards.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
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 Gelston Park

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Gelston Park experiences high temperatures during summer, with the risk of heatwaves increasing due to climate change. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, are particularly at risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Gelston Park faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Georges River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Gelston Park is located near the Georges River, making it susceptible to coastal inundation and erosion. Sea level rise and storm surges are expected to increase the risk of coastal hazards.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

The bushfire risk in Gelston Park is relatively low due to the urban environment and limited vegetation. However, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk during the bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry conditions
  • ·Strong winds
  • ·Vegetation density

Projections (RCP4.5)

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

Potential for moderate price impact due to climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider potential impacts of sea level rise.
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Georges River
Elevation Range
5-15 meters
Flood Zone
Partially within flood zone

Some properties near the Georges River are subject to flooding during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
2-3 km to nearest bushland
Planning Overlay
Not significantly affected by bushfire overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
No

Bushfire risk is relatively low due to the urban environment.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
29.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Urban heat island effect contributes to higher temperatures in summer.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
15 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low to moderate exposure to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
Low erosion risk

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas near the Georges River.

Source
2020
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions affected vulnerable populations.

Source
2016
floodMinor

Localized flooding occurred due to heavy rainfall.

Source
2013
heatwaveMinor

Several days of high temperatures impacted the region.

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)
coastal505.3(+0.3)5.7(+0.7)

By 2030, Gelston Park is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and flooding events. Sea level rise will also pose a greater threat to coastal areas.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure to reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement heatwave early warning system

Immediate

Develop a heatwave early warning system to alert vulnerable populations to extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect coastal areas

Long-term

Implement measures to protect coastal areas from sea level rise and erosion, such as building seawalls and restoring mangroves.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Increase green spaces

Near-term

Increase the amount of green space in Gelston Park to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Gelston Park's Climate Risk Profile

Gelston Park, located in the City of Canterbury Bankstown, is susceptible to several climate-related hazards. The suburb's proximity to the Georges River increases its vulnerability to flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and storm surges. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk, with more intense rainfall events and rising sea levels.

Heatwaves are another significant concern for Gelston Park. The urban environment contributes to the urban heat island effect, resulting in higher temperatures compared to surrounding areas. This poses a particular risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in the region.

While the risk of bushfire is relatively low in Gelston Park due to its urban setting, it is still important to be aware of the potential for fire during dry and windy conditions. Residents should maintain their properties to reduce the risk of fire spread and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Coastal inundation and erosion are also potential threats to Gelston Park, particularly in areas close to the Georges River. Sea level rise and storm surges can cause damage to property and infrastructure, as well as disrupt transportation and other essential services. It is important to monitor coastal conditions and take appropriate measures to protect against these hazards.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · City of Canterbury Bankstown Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Gelston Park?

The main climate risks in Gelston Park are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal inundation.

How is climate change expected to affect Gelston Park?

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and flooding events, as well as exacerbate coastal inundation.

What can I do to prepare for climate change in Gelston Park?

You can take steps to reduce your risk of flooding, such as improving drainage around your property and purchasing flood insurance. You can also prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated and seeking shelter in air-conditioned environments. Stay informed about local emergency plans.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Gelston Park?

You can find more information about climate change in Gelston Park on the City of Canterbury Bankstown website and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website.

Is Gelston Park a good place to invest in property considering climate change?

While Gelston Park faces climate risks, proactive adaptation measures by the council and individual property owners can mitigate these risks. Consider the long-term climate projections and potential impacts on property value when making investment decisions.

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 Gelston Park, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Gelston Park's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

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