Climate Risk in Glenelg, NSW

Glenelg, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Glenelg, NSW, faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Sea level rise and coastal erosion also pose a threat. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Glenelg

increasing

Flood

60/100

Glenelg faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to localized flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
stable

Bushfire

40/100

Bushfire risk in Glenelg is relatively low due to the lack of significant bushland areas nearby. However, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential threat.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

Glenelg is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Urban heat island effect may exacerbate the impact.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urbanization
increasing

Coastal

50/100

Glenelg faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 Glenelg

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Glenelg is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Urban heat island effect may exacerbate the impact.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urbanization
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Glenelg faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to localized flooding.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Glenelg faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Coastal development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Bushfire risk in Glenelg is relatively low due to the lack of significant bushland areas nearby. However, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential threat.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to the rising risk of flooding and other climate-related events.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review coastal erosion risk assessments.
  • 4.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local Creeks
Elevation Range
5-15m
Flood Zone
Zone 2

Historical flood data indicates localized flooding during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
5km
Planning Overlay
RFS Bushfire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

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

Heat Evidence

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

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase in the coming decades.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
2 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas are exposed to potential sea level rise impacts.
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk along some coastal sections.

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in low-lying areas of Glenelg.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

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

Source
2017
stormMinor

A severe storm caused minor damage to property and power outages.

Source
2020
heatwaveModerate

Record high temperatures were recorded during a summer heatwave, impacting vulnerable residents.

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)
bushfire404.2(+0.2)4.5(+0.5)
heat707.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal505.3(+0.3)5.7(+0.7)

By 2030, Glenelg 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 during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement a heatwave management plan

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave management plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Strengthen coastal defenses

Long-term

Invest in coastal defenses, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to protect against sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Near-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce water demand during droughts and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Glenelg's Climate Risk Profile

Glenelg, located in New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding, heatwaves, bushfires, and coastal hazards.

Flooding is a significant concern due to increased rainfall intensity and potential sea level rise. Low-lying areas are particularly susceptible to inundation, which can damage property and disrupt infrastructure.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The urban heat island effect can exacerbate these risks.

While the immediate bushfire risk is relatively low, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential threat, particularly during dry periods with strong winds.

Coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion, also pose a risk to Glenelg, particularly in low-lying coastal areas. These hazards can damage property and infrastructure and threaten coastal ecosystems.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Glenelg?

The main climate change risks in Glenelg are flooding, heatwaves, bushfires, and coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion.

How will climate change affect property values in Glenelg?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to the increased risk of flooding, coastal erosion, and other climate-related events.

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

The council is developing and implementing a climate strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes measures to improve stormwater drainage, protect coastal areas, and promote water conservation.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Glenelg?

To prepare for heatwaves, stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and seek shelter in air-conditioned buildings. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Glenelg?

You can find information about flood risks on the council's website, including flood maps and historical flood data. The NSW State Emergency Service also provides information and resources on flood preparedness.

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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