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PROPERTY ANALYTICS

Climate Risk in Hawkesbury, NSW

Hawkesbury, New South Wales· UNKNOWN
High Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Hawkesbury faces significant risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly flooding due to its location on the Hawkesbury River floodplain. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

7.2/10
High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
8.5
Bushfire
6.8
Heat
6.5
Coastal
2.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

6.5/10

Hawkesbury experiences high temperatures during summer, and the number of extreme heat days is projected to increase, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.9

2050

7.4

Data source

flood Risk

8.5/10

Hawkesbury is highly susceptible to flooding due to its location on the Hawkesbury River floodplain. The risk is projected to increase with more intense rainfall events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.8

2050

9.2

Data source

coastal Risk

2.0/10

Coastal risk is low in Hawkesbury due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

2.0

2050

2.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

6.8/10

Bushfire risk is significant in Hawkesbury due to the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.2

2050

7.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the high flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to extreme heat.
  • 3.Review insurance options and potential premium costs.
  • 4.Consider the long-term climate risks when making a purchase decision.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Hawkesbury River
Elevation Range
10-100 meters
Flood Zone
High Risk Floodplain

The Hawkesbury River has a history of major flooding events, impacting residential and commercial areas.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland reserves
Planning Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Many properties are located in or near bushfire-prone areas, requiring specific building standards and fire management plans.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

The region experiences several days above 35°C each summer, increasing the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
50 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not Applicable
Erosion Risk
Not Applicable

Historical Climate Events

1961
floodMajor

The Hawkesbury River experienced a major flood, causing widespread damage and displacement.

Source
2001
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted areas around Hawkesbury, leading to property damage and evacuations.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred along the Hawkesbury River, affecting low-lying areas.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

Minor bushfires occurred in the Hawkesbury region, requiring RFS intervention.

Source
2022
floodMajor

Severe flooding impacted the Hawkesbury region, causing widespread damage and evacuations.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood8.58.8(+0.3)9.2(+0.7)
bushfire6.87.0(+0.2)7.2(+0.4)
heat6.56.6(+0.1)6.8(+0.3)
coastal2.02.02.0

By 2030, Hawkesbury is projected to experience more frequent and intense flooding events, along with an increased risk of bushfires and heatwaves.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in flood mitigation infrastructure, such as levees and improved drainage systems, to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement stricter building codes for bushfire-prone areas and promote community education on bushfire safety.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plans

Near-term

Create heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Strengthen Emergency Response

Immediate

Improve emergency response capabilities to effectively manage and respond to extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Implement community awareness programs to educate residents about climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Hawkesbury's Climate Risk Profile

Hawkesbury is a region in New South Wales that is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The area's location on the Hawkesbury River floodplain makes it highly susceptible to flooding, which is projected to worsen with increased rainfall intensity.

Bushfire risk is also a major concern due to the extensive surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfires, posing a threat to homes and infrastructure.

Heatwaves are another significant hazard, with the number of extreme heat days projected to rise. This will place additional stress on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

While coastal risks are relatively low due to Hawkesbury's inland location, the overall impact of climate change on the region is substantial. Adaptation measures are crucial to protect the community and mitigate the risks associated with these hazards.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · Hawkesbury City Council

Local Government Resources

Hawkesbury City Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Hawkesbury?

The main climate risks in Hawkesbury are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase with climate change.

How can I prepare my property for flooding in Hawkesbury?

You can prepare your property by elevating structures, installing flood barriers, and ensuring proper drainage. Check the Hawkesbury City Council website for more information.

What should I do during a bushfire in Hawkesbury?

During a bushfire, follow the advice of emergency services, evacuate if necessary, and have a bushfire survival plan in place. Refer to the NSW Rural Fire Service website for guidance.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave in Hawkesbury?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. Check the NSW Health website for heatwave safety tips.

Where can I find information about emergency services in Hawkesbury?

You can find information about emergency services on the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) website and the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) website.

Is climate change going to impact property values in Hawkesbury?

Potentially, yes. Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased flood and bushfire risks. It's important to consider these risks when buying or selling property.

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