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Climate Risk in Googong, NSW

Googong, New South Wales· Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional· 2620
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Googong faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are projected to increase in severity due to climate change. While coastal risks are negligible, residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.8
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Googong

increasing

Flood

65/100

Googong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Queanbeyan River and local creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development increasing runoff
increasing

Bushfire

48/100

The area surrounding Googong has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of grasslands and nearby bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
increasing

Heat

50/100

Googong is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This can pose a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of extreme heat events
stable

Coastal

10/100

Googong is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

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 Googong

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

50/100

Googong is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This can pose a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of extreme heat events

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Googong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Queanbeyan River and local creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development increasing runoff

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Googong is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

48/100

The area surrounding Googong has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of grasslands and nearby bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.3

2050

5.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

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

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
  • 3.Obtain insurance quotes and understand coverage.
  • 4.Inquire about council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Queanbeyan River
Elevation Range
640-680m
Flood Zone
Areas near the Queanbeyan River are designated as flood zones.

Historical flood events have impacted areas near the river. Council maintains flood maps and conducts regular risk assessments.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

The area is subject to bushfire management regulations. Residents are advised to maintain firebreaks and have evacuation plans.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
28.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves typically occur in January and February. Vulnerable residents are advised to stay indoors during peak heat hours.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused the Queanbeyan River to flood, impacting low-lying areas in and around Googong.

Source
2017
bushfireModerate

A bushfire near Googong Foreshores threatened properties, requiring residents to be on alert.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in January resulted in high temperatures and increased demand for emergency services.

Source
2020
bushfireMajor

The 2019-2020 bushfires impacted the region, with smoke haze affecting air quality in Googong.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

HazardToday20302050
flood656.9(+0.4)7.2(+0.7)
bushfire485.0(+0.2)5.3(+0.5)
heat505.3(+0.3)5.9(+0.9)
coastal101.01.0

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Googong is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by increased flooding and heatwave intensity.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Bushfire Management Strategies

Near-term

Conduct regular hazard reduction burns and maintain firebreaks to reduce bushfire risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plans

Near-term

Establish cooling centers and provide support for vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents to conserve water and implement water-efficient landscaping practices.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Googong's Climate Risk Profile

Googong, located in New South Wales, is susceptible to several climate-related risks. The primary concerns are flooding from the Queanbeyan River and local creeks, bushfires due to surrounding grasslands and bushland, and heatwaves that are expected to become more frequent and intense.

The risk of flooding is driven by increased rainfall intensity and urban development, which can lead to higher runoff. Bushfire risk is exacerbated by hotter, drier conditions and increased frequency of heatwaves. Heatwaves pose a significant threat to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

While Googong is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader region may experience indirect impacts from climate change. It is crucial for residents and local authorities to implement adaptation measures to mitigate these risks and enhance community resilience.

These measures include improving drainage infrastructure to reduce flood risk, implementing bushfire management strategies, and developing heatwave response plans. By taking proactive steps, Googong can minimize the impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for its residents.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council

Local Government Resources

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Googong?

Googong faces risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are projected to increase in severity due to climate change.

How is the local council addressing climate change?

The Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves?

Residents can stay indoors during peak heat hours, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

How can I protect my property from bushfires?

Maintain firebreaks, clear vegetation around your home, and have a bushfire survival plan.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Googong?

You can find flood maps and information on the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council website.

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