Climate Risk in Gordon, NSW

Gordon, New South Wales· Ku-ring-gai· 2072
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Gordon, NSW, faces moderate risks from bushfires, heatwaves and flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events. Residents should prepare for potential impacts and take steps to mitigate their risk.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.5
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Gordon

increasing

Flood

45/100

Gordon has a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and localised stormwater runoff. Some properties are located near waterways and may be more vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Gordon faces a notable bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Fuel load
increasing

Heat

50/100

Gordon experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. Vulnerable populations may be at risk during extreme heat.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Gordon has a low coastal risk due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to 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 Gordon

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Gordon experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. Vulnerable populations may be at risk during extreme heat.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.3

2050

5.7

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Gordon has a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and localised stormwater runoff. Some properties are located near waterways and may be more vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.8

2050

5.2

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Gordon has a low coastal risk due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to this suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Gordon faces a notable bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Fuel load
  • ·Increased ignition sources

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.3

2050

6.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate-related risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone land overlays.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate projections for the area.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Lane Cove River
Elevation Range
60-120m
Flood Zone
Some properties near waterways are within identified flood zones.

Council maintains drainage infrastructure, but capacity may be exceeded during extreme events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Planning Overlay
NSW RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties on the western side of Gordon are at higher risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
27.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Urban areas experience higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
15 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not directly exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
No significant erosion risk.

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localised flooding in Gordon, affecting some residential areas and roads.

Source
2020
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in surrounding areas caused smoky conditions and increased fire danger in Gordon.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions led to increased demand for electricity and health concerns for vulnerable residents.

Source
2016
stormMinor

Severe storm caused flash flooding and power outages in parts of Gordon.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood454.7(+0.2)5.0(+0.5)
bushfire606.3(+0.3)6.8(+0.8)
heat505.4(+0.4)5.9(+0.9)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Gordon is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave frequency and intensity, as well as a slightly higher risk of flooding and bushfires.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade and maintain stormwater drainage infrastructure to reduce flood risk during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire hazard reduction

Immediate

Implement regular bushfire hazard reduction programs in areas surrounding Gordon to reduce fuel loads and minimise fire risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave preparedness plan

Near-term

Develop and implement a heatwave preparedness plan to protect vulnerable residents during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community awareness programs

Long-term

Conduct community awareness programs to educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce strain on water resources during droughts and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Gordon's Climate Risk Profile

Gordon is a suburb in the Upper North Shore of Sydney, New South Wales. The suburb's climate is temperate, but is subject to increasing climate risks.

Bushfire risk is a significant concern for Gordon due to the proximity of bushland. Hot, dry conditions can lead to increased fire danger, particularly during the summer months. Residents should maintain their properties and be aware of bushfire safety guidelines.

Flooding can occur in Gordon due to heavy rainfall events, particularly in areas near waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially exacerbating flood risk. Residents should be aware of flood warnings and take steps to protect their properties.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Gordon, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Residents should stay hydrated, seek cool environments, and check on elderly or unwell neighbours during heatwave events.

While coastal risks are low, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and infrastructure, could still affect Gordon. Residents should support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW SES · Ku-ring-gai Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Gordon?

Gordon faces risks from bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires?

Clear vegetation around your home, maintain gutters, and have a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay hydrated, seek cool environments, and check on vulnerable neighbours.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Gordon?

Check the Ku-ring-gai Council website for flood maps and information.

Is my property in a bushfire prone area?

Consult the NSW Rural Fire Service's bushfire prone land map to determine if your property is at risk.

What is Ku-ring-gai Council doing to address climate change?

Ku-ring-gai Council has a climate strategy that outlines actions to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts.

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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