Climate Risk in Henley, NSW

Henley, New South Wales· City of Ryde· 2111
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Henley, NSW, faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events, potentially impacting property values and community well-being. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather and consider adaptation measures.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Henley

increasing

Flood

65/100

Henley is located near the Parramatta River and Lane Cove River, making it susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

30/100

Henley has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its location within a built-up area and limited proximity to dense bushland. However, dry conditions and strong winds can still pose a threat.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Strong winds
increasing

Heat

60/100

Henley is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This will increase the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

50/100

Henley is located near the coast and is therefore exposed to the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, potentially leading to property damage and displacement.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge
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 Henley

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Henley is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This will increase the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced air quality

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.2

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Henley is located near the Parramatta River and Lane Cove River, making it susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges. 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
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.8

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Henley is located near the coast and is therefore exposed to the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, potentially leading to property damage and displacement.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.3

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Henley has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its location within a built-up area and limited proximity to dense bushland. However, dry conditions and strong winds can still pose a threat.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Strong winds
  • ·Increased temperatures

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased flood and coastal risks.

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 property's elevation and drainage.
  • 3.Consider potential impacts of sea level rise.
  • 4.Inquire about council's climate adaptation plans.
  • 5.Review insurance coverage for flood and coastal hazards.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Parramatta River
Elevation Range
5-20 meters
Flood Zone
Areas adjacent to the Parramatta River are designated as flood zones.

Historical flood events have impacted properties along the riverfront. Council maintains flood maps and provides guidance on flood mitigation measures.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Approximately 2km to Lane Cove National Park
Planning Overlay
Some areas may have bushfire prone land overlay.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

While not directly adjacent to dense bushland, Henley is still subject to bushfire risk assessments and regulations.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
29.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Average January maximum temperature is based on nearby weather station data. Heat stress events are defined as consecutive days above 35 degrees Celsius.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
8 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas near the river are susceptible to sea level rise impacts.
Erosion Risk
Some riverbank areas may be at risk of erosion.

Historical Climate Events

1990
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Parramatta River, impacting some properties in Henley.

Source
2007
stormModerate

A severe storm caused damage to trees and power lines in the area.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased demand for electricity and strain on the power grid.

Source
2022
floodMajor

Significant flooding occurred in the Parramatta River catchment, impacting properties in low-lying areas of Henley.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood657.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire303.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
heat606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
coastal505.3(+0.3)5.8(+0.8)

By 2030, Henley is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and heatwave risks. Sea level rise will also pose a growing threat to coastal areas.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in flood barriers, levees, and improved drainage systems to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement Urban Greening

Near-term

Plant trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Strengthen Coastal Protection

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Create a community heat action plan to provide guidance on how to stay safe during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing support to vulnerable residents.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve Building Codes

Near-term

Update building codes to require new buildings to be more resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Henley's Climate Risk Profile

Henley, a suburb in Sydney, New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Its location near the Parramatta River and Lane Cove River makes it susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges. The rising sea levels and increased storm intensity are expected to exacerbate coastal erosion and inundation risks.

Heatwaves are also a growing concern for Henley residents. As temperatures rise, the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses increases, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further amplify these risks, making it essential to implement strategies to mitigate heat exposure.

While bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other parts of NSW, Henley is not entirely immune. Dry conditions and strong winds can still pose a threat, especially in areas with vegetation. Residents should maintain their properties and be aware of bushfire safety guidelines.

Addressing these climate risks requires a multi-faceted approach, including investments in flood mitigation infrastructure, urban greening initiatives to reduce the urban heat island effect, and community education programs to raise awareness about climate change impacts and adaptation measures. Individual actions, such as improving home energy efficiency and reducing water consumption, can also contribute to a more sustainable future for Henley.

Planning for the future is essential. Understanding the risks and taking proactive steps will help protect the community and its assets from the worst impacts of climate change. This includes considering climate change in land-use planning, building codes, and emergency management strategies.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · City of Ryde Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Henley?

Henley faces increasing risks from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards due to climate change. These risks are projected to worsen in the future.

How will climate change affect property values in Henley?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value. Increased insurance premiums are also possible due to higher risks.

What is the City of Ryde doing to address climate change?

The City of Ryde has a climate strategy that outlines actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. They also provide resources for residents to prepare for extreme weather events.

How can I prepare my home for flooding?

Consider installing flood barriers, improving drainage, and elevating appliances. Check your insurance coverage and develop a flood emergency plan.

Where can I find information about heatwave safety?

NSW Health provides information on how to stay safe during heatwaves, including tips on staying hydrated, finding cooling centers, and recognizing the symptoms of heatstroke.

Is Henley considered a bushfire prone area?

Yes, parts of Henley are considered bushfire prone. It's important to maintain your property and be aware of bushfire safety guidelines, especially during the bushfire season.

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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

Climate Risk in Henley, NSW: 2026 Assessment | ClimateNest