Climate Risk in Howards Grass, NSW

Howards Grass, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Howards Grass, NSW, faces increasing risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. While coastal risks are low, the community should prepare for more extreme weather events in the future.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Howards Grass

increasing

Flood

60/100

Flooding can occur from heavy rainfall events, potentially impacting properties near waterways and low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development increasing runoff
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

The area is susceptible to bushfires, particularly during dry periods and heatwaves. Properties near bushland are at higher risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
increasing

Heat

50/100

The suburb experiences hot summers, with potential for heatwaves that can impact vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

Located inland, Howards Grass faces minimal direct risk from coastal hazards.

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 Howards Grass

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

The suburb experiences hot summers, with potential for heatwaves that can impact vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Flooding can occur from heavy rainfall events, potentially impacting properties near waterways and low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development increasing runoff

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Located inland, Howards Grass faces minimal direct risk from coastal hazards.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

The area is susceptible to bushfires, particularly during dry periods and heatwaves. Properties near bushland are at higher risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Fuel load accumulation

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area status
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heat
  • 3.Consider potential insurance costs
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local creeks and drainage systems
Elevation Range
Varies across the suburb
Flood Zone
Potentially affected areas near waterways

Local council has identified areas at risk of flash flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas
Planning Overlay
Check NSW RFS website for bushfire prone land overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties near bushland require adequate fire protection measures.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves can place a strain on local resources and infrastructure.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Source
2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfire near the suburb threatened properties.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions impacted vulnerable residents.

Source
2020
bushfireMajor

Significant bushfires in the region caused widespread smoke and air quality issues.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.3(+0.3)6.6(+0.6)
bushfire707.4(+0.4)7.8(+0.8)
heat505.6(+0.6)6.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Howards Grass is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, driven primarily by more frequent and intense heatwaves and bushfires. Flooding risk will also increase due to changes in rainfall patterns.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a community heatwave plan

Immediate

Establish cooling centers and outreach programs to support vulnerable residents during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Improve drainage systems to reduce the risk of flash flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement bushfire risk reduction measures

Immediate

Undertake fuel reduction activities and promote fire-resistant building practices in bushfire-prone areas.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents to conserve water to reduce strain on water resources during dry periods.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance community awareness

Near-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation strategies through workshops and online resources.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Howards Grass's Climate Risk Profile

Howards Grass is located in New South Wales and is subject to a range of climate-related risks. The primary concerns are increasing flood risk due to more intense rainfall events, heightened bushfire danger from drier conditions and heatwaves, and the direct impacts of rising temperatures on human health and infrastructure.

The risk of flooding is expected to increase as climate change leads to more extreme rainfall events. Properties located near waterways and in low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable. Bushfire risk is also a significant concern, with hotter, drier conditions creating a more conducive environment for fires to start and spread.

Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a direct threat to the health and well-being of residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Infrastructure, such as power grids and transportation networks, may also be vulnerable to extreme heat.

While Howards Grass is located inland and faces minimal direct risk from coastal hazards, the community should still be aware of the broader impacts of climate change and take steps to adapt to a changing environment.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW SES · NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Howards Grass?

The main risks are increased flooding, more frequent and intense bushfires, and more severe heatwaves.

How will climate change affect property values in Howards Grass?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price stagnation or decline due to increased insurance costs and potential damage from extreme weather events.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The council is developing a climate adaptation strategy to reduce the community's vulnerability to climate risks. Check the council website for more information.

How can I prepare my home for a bushfire?

Clear vegetation around your home, install fire-resistant screens, and develop a bushfire survival plan. Consult the NSW RFS website for detailed guidance.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Visit the NSW Health website for heatwave safety tips.

Where can I find information about local flood risks?

Check the council's website for flood maps and information about flood preparedness. You can also contact the NSW SES for assistance.

Get your property's risk report

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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