Climate Risk in Gunnedah, NSW

Gunnedah, New South Wales· Gunnedah Shire Council· 2380

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Gunnedah faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. The risk of these events is projected to increase in the future due to climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.5/10

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.0

Bushfire

4.0

Heat

7.0

Coastal

1.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

7.0/10

Gunnedah experiences high heat risk, with hot summers and increasing frequency of heatwave events. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

·Climate change leading to higher average temperatures
·Urban heat island effect
·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

6.0/10

Gunnedah faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Namoi River and associated tributaries. Heavy rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

·Climate change leading to more intense rainfall events
·Urban development increasing runoff
·Changes in land management practices

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

1.0/10

Gunnedah is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

4.0/10

Bushfire risk in Gunnedah is moderate, with areas of bushland surrounding the town. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

·Accumulation of dry vegetation
·Increased frequency of heatwaves
·Human ignition sources

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to the increasing risk of flooding and other climate-related hazards.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
2.Assess bushfire risk and implement fire safety measures.
3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on property value and energy costs.
4.Ensure adequate insurance coverage for climate-related risks.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Namoi River
Elevation Range: 270-300m
Flood Zone: Areas adjacent to the Namoi River are designated as flood zones.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Areas of bushland are located within 5km of the town centre.
Planning Overlay: Refer to NSW Rural Fire Service for bushfire prone area mapping.
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 34.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 5 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 500 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not applicable
Erosion Risk: Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2012

floodModerate

The Namoi River flooded, inundating low-lying areas of Gunnedah and causing damage to property and infrastructure.

Source

2019

droughtMajor

Severe drought conditions impacted the Gunnedah region, leading to water shortages and agricultural losses.

Source

2017

stormModerate

A severe thunderstorm caused flash flooding and damage to property in Gunnedah.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	6.0	6.5(+0.5)	7.0(+1.0)
bushfire	4.0	4.2(+0.2)	4.5(+0.5)
heat	7.0	7.8(+0.8)	8.5(+1.5)
coastal	1.0	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Gunnedah is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and flooding events. Bushfire risk may also increase slightly. Adaptation measures will be crucial to mitigate these impacts.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defences

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire management strategies, including hazard reduction burns and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plan

Immediate

Establish a heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Implement water conservation measures to reduce water demand during drought periods.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Gunnedah's Climate Risk Profile

Gunnedah, located in the Namoi Valley of New South Wales, is susceptible to a range of climate-related hazards. The town's proximity to the Namoi River makes it vulnerable to flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk, with projections indicating more intense rainfall events in the future.

Bushfire risk is also a concern in Gunnedah, with areas of bushland surrounding the town. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can create conditions conducive to bushfires. While the overall bushfire risk is moderate, it is important for residents to be prepared and take precautions during the bushfire season.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent and intense in Gunnedah, posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further amplify the impact of heatwaves in built-up areas.

While Gunnedah is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, climate change impacts such as sea level rise and changes in rainfall patterns can have indirect effects on the region. It is important for the community to adapt to these changes and build resilience to climate-related risks.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · Gunnedah Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Gunnedah Shire Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Gunnedah?

Gunnedah faces significant risks from flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How is the local council addressing climate change?

The Gunnedah Shire Council is developing and implementing strategies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. These strategies include improving flood defences, enhancing bushfire preparedness, and promoting water conservation.

What can residents do to prepare for climate-related hazards?

Residents can take steps to prepare for climate-related hazards by developing emergency plans, maintaining their properties, and staying informed about weather conditions and warnings.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Gunnedah?

More information about climate change in Gunnedah can be found on the Gunnedah Shire Council website, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website, and the CSIRO website.

Are there any government grants available for climate adaptation measures?

Government grants may be available for climate adaptation measures such as installing rainwater tanks, improving energy efficiency, and implementing bushfire protection measures. Check the relevant government websites for eligibility criteria and application details.

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