Climate Risk in Khancoban, New South Wales

Khancoban, New South Wales· Snowy Valleys· 2642
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Khancoban faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change. The town's location near the Murray River and surrounding bushland contributes to these risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
4.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Khancoban

increasing

Flood

60/100

Khancoban faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Murray River and other waterways. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Khancoban is located in a bushfire-prone area, with significant bushland surrounding the town. Hot, dry summers and strong winds contribute to a high bushfire risk. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

40/100

Khancoban experiences moderate heat risk, with hot summers and occasional heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

Khancoban is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

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 Khancoban

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

40/100

Khancoban experiences moderate heat risk, with hot summers and occasional heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Khancoban faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Murray River and other waterways. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Dam failure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Khancoban is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Khancoban is located in a bushfire-prone area, with significant bushland surrounding the town. Hot, dry summers and strong winds contribute to a high bushfire risk. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Strong winds

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 increased flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood and bushfire risk maps.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
  • 3.Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Develop an emergency plan.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Murray River
Elevation Range
400-500m
Flood Zone
Likely near the Murray River

The Murray River poses a significant flood risk to properties close to the riverbank.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to Kosciuszko National Park
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Khancoban is surrounded by bushland and is designated as a bushfire-prone area.

Heat Evidence

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

Khancoban experiences hot summers with occasional heatwave conditions.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2020
bushfireMajor

The Black Summer bushfires impacted the Snowy Valleys region, including areas near Khancoban, causing significant damage to property and the environment.

Source
2012
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in the Murray River, impacting low-lying areas near Khancoban.

Source
2009
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected much of New South Wales, including Khancoban, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several days.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
bushfire707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
heat404.5(+0.5)5.0(+1.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Khancoban is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with higher risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves due to rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

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

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Management

Immediate

Implement bushfire management strategies, such as controlled burns and vegetation clearing, to reduce the risk of bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plan

Near-term

Create a heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Raise Community Awareness

Long-term

Educate residents about climate change risks and adaptation measures through workshops, information sessions, and online resources.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Khancoban's Climate Risk Profile

Khancoban is a small town located in the Snowy Valleys region of New South Wales. The town is situated near the Murray River and is surrounded by significant areas of bushland, making it vulnerable to both flooding and bushfires.

Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the region. This includes more frequent and intense heatwaves, heavier rainfall events leading to flooding, and drier conditions that exacerbate bushfire risk.

The local council and emergency services are working to mitigate these risks through various adaptation measures, such as improving flood defenses, implementing bushfire management strategies, and raising community awareness.

Residents can take steps to protect themselves and their properties by preparing for extreme weather events, such as developing emergency plans, maintaining their properties, and staying informed about weather forecasts and warnings. It is important to stay informed and prepared for the changing climate.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · Snowy Valleys Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Khancoban?

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

How can I prepare my property for flooding?

You can prepare your property for flooding by raising electrical appliances, sealing walls, and installing flood barriers. Check the Snowy Valleys Council website for more information.

What should I do during a bushfire?

During a bushfire, follow the advice of emergency services. If you are in a high-risk area, evacuate early. Stay informed about fire conditions and warnings.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

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

You can find more information about climate change in Khancoban on the Snowy Valleys Council website, the Bureau of Meteorology website, and the CSIRO website.

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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