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PROPERTY ANALYTICS

Climate Risk in Hawks Nest, NSW

Hawks Nest, New South Wales· MidCoast Council· 2324
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Hawks Nest is a coastal town in New South Wales that faces several climate-related risks, including flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, potentially impacting property values and community well-being. Residents should take steps to prepare for these challenges.

Overall Risk Score

5.8/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
6.5

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

6.0/10

Hawks Nest experiences hot summers, with the potential for heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

6.5/10

Hawks Nest is susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges, particularly in low-lying areas near the Myall River and coast. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

6.5/10

Hawks Nest is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges. The coastline is dynamic, and climate change is expected to accelerate erosion rates and increase the frequency of coastal flooding.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

4.0/10

Hawks Nest faces a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires. Climate change is projected to lengthen the bushfire season and increase fire intensity.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be negatively impacted by climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone land overlays.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
  • 3.Consider the cost of insurance and potential for increased premiums.
  • 4.Inquire about council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Myall River
Elevation Range
0-10 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal floodplain

Low-lying areas near the river and coast are most vulnerable.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland
Planning Overlay
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/bush-fire-prone-land
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Western and northern edges of the town are most at risk.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
High
Erosion Risk
Moderate to High

Historical Climate Events

2007
floodModerate

Major flooding occurred in the Myall River, inundating low-lying areas of Hawks Nest.

Source
2013
bushfireModerate

A bushfire threatened the town, requiring evacuations and property protection.

Source
2017
stormModerate

A severe storm caused damage to homes and infrastructure in Hawks Nest.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Hawks Nest experienced a prolonged heatwave with record-breaking temperatures.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.57.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire4.04.3(+0.3)4.7(+0.7)
heat6.06.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
coastal6.57.2(+0.7)7.7(+1.2)

By 2030, Hawks Nest is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including floods, bushfires, and heatwaves. Sea level rise is expected to exacerbate coastal erosion and inundation.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve flood defenses

Near-term

Construct seawalls and levees to protect low-lying areas from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Strengthen bushfire preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire hazard reduction programs and improve community education.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a heatwave management plan

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Relocate vulnerable infrastructure

Long-term

Move critical infrastructure away from areas at high risk of coastal erosion and inundation.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

About Hawks Nest's Climate Risk Profile

Hawks Nest is a coastal town located in the MidCoast Council region of New South Wales. The town is situated on a narrow strip of land between the ocean and the Myall River, making it particularly vulnerable to coastal hazards.

Flooding is a significant concern in Hawks Nest, with low-lying areas susceptible to inundation from heavy rainfall and storm surges. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding.

The town also faces a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires, posing a threat to homes and infrastructure. Climate change is expected to lengthen the bushfire season and increase fire intensity.

Heatwaves are another growing concern in Hawks Nest, with climate change projected to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat events. This can pose a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Coastal erosion and inundation are also significant threats to Hawks Nest, with sea level rise and storm surges expected to exacerbate these hazards. The coastline is dynamic, and climate change is projected to accelerate erosion rates and increase the frequency of coastal flooding.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · MidCoast Council

Local Government Resources

MidCoast Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks facing Hawks Nest?

Hawks Nest faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion, all of which are expected to worsen with climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Hawks Nest?

Climate change may negatively impact property values due to increased risks of flooding, bushfires, and coastal erosion. Properties in high-risk areas may experience the most significant impacts.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Hawks Nest?

MidCoast Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to reduce the risks from climate change and protect the community.

What can I do to prepare for climate change in Hawks Nest?

You can take steps to protect your property from flooding and bushfires, develop a heatwave plan, and stay informed about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Hawks Nest?

You can find more information on the MidCoast Council website, the NSW government environment website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.

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