Climate Risk Profile: Glen Ward, NSW

Glen Ward, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Glen Ward faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and bushfires. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, leading to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Residents should prepare for hotter temperatures and potential disruptions to infrastructure.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
4.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Glen Ward

increasing

Flood

60/100

Glen Ward faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. The risk is expected to increase due to climate change.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Glen Ward has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions exacerbate this risk, and climate change is projected to worsen bushfire conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

40/100

Glen Ward experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Glen Ward has a low coastal risk due to its distance from the coast. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from 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 Glen Ward

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

40/100

Glen Ward experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Glen Ward faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. The risk is expected to increase due to climate change.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Glen Ward has a low coastal risk due to its distance from the coast. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Glen Ward has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions exacerbate this risk, and climate change is projected to worsen bushfire conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Strong winds
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the rising risk of flooding and bushfires.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value as climate risks become more apparent.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider the long-term climate risks when making a purchase decision.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Hawkesbury River
Elevation Range
50-100m
Flood Zone
Moderate

Historical flood data indicates that parts of Glen Ward are susceptible to inundation during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is designated as bushfire prone, requiring specific building standards for new constructions.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase significantly by 2050.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
50 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low
Erosion Risk
Low

Historical Climate Events

2020
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted areas near Glen Ward, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source
2022
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Glen Ward, leading to road closures and property damage.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure in Glen Ward.

Source
2016
stormMinor

A severe storm caused localized flooding and power outages in Glen Ward.

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)
bushfire707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
heat404.3(+0.3)4.7(+0.7)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Glen Ward is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and bushfire risk due to more extreme weather events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees, drainage improvements, and stormwater management systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire prevention strategies, including vegetation management, fire breaks, and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plan

Near-term

Create a heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable populations, including cooling centers, public awareness campaigns, and early warning systems.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce water stress during droughts and heatwaves, such as rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation techniques.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Glen Ward's Climate Risk Profile

Glen Ward is a suburb in New South Wales that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are expected to worsen these hazards in the coming decades.

Flooding is a significant concern due to increased rainfall intensity and potential riverine flooding. Bushfire risk is high due to the suburb's proximity to bushland areas, which become drier and more flammable under hotter conditions. Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and intense, posing a threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations.

Climate projections indicate that these risks will continue to escalate. By 2030 and 2050, Glen Ward is likely to experience more frequent and severe extreme weather events. This will require proactive adaptation measures to protect residents and infrastructure.

Understanding these risks and taking appropriate action is crucial for building a climate-resilient community in Glen Ward. This includes investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, implementing bushfire prevention strategies, and developing heatwave response plans.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Glen Ward?

The main climate change risks in Glen Ward are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Glen Ward?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value as climate risks become more apparent. It is important to assess the property's vulnerability to extreme weather events before making a purchase decision.

What can I do to prepare for increased heatwaves in Glen Ward?

You can prepare for increased heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. It is also important to have a heatwave response plan in place.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Glen Ward?

The council is developing and implementing a climate strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes investing in flood mitigation infrastructure and promoting sustainable development practices.

Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Glen Ward?

You can find more information about climate change risks in Glen Ward on the council's website, the NSW government's website, and the Bureau of Meteorology's website.

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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