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PROPERTY ANALYTICS

Climate Risk in Kingscliff, NSW

Kingscliff, New South Wales· Tweed Shire· 2487
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Kingscliff, NSW, faces moderate climate risks, particularly from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity are key drivers of these risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.8/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.5
Heat
7.0
Coastal
6.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

7.0/10

Kingscliff is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Rising average temperatures pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

6.5/10

Kingscliff faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the coast and nearby waterways. Increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Coastal proximity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

6.0/10

Kingscliff is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise. This poses a threat to infrastructure and coastal ecosystems.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

3.5/10

Bushfire risk in Kingscliff is relatively low compared to other regions in NSW, but still present due to surrounding vegetation. Drier conditions and increased temperatures could elevate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation density

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.0

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to rising climate risks.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal erosion zones.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Cudgen Creek
Elevation Range
0-10 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal floodplain

Significant flooding occurred in the Kingscliff area during the 2022 floods, impacting numerous properties and infrastructure.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to vegetated areas
Planning Overlay
Some areas are designated as bushfire prone
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The NSW Rural Fire Service provides information on bushfire risks and safety measures for Kingscliff residents.

Heat Evidence

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

Bureau of Meteorology data indicates an increasing trend in average maximum temperatures in Kingscliff.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas are vulnerable to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk along some coastal stretches

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodMajor

Severe flooding impacted Kingscliff, causing widespread damage and displacement.

Source
2020
coastalModerate

Coastal erosion damaged beaches and infrastructure along the Kingscliff coastline.

Source
2019
bushfireMinor

Bushfires in the surrounding region caused smoky conditions in Kingscliff.

Source
2017
stormModerate

A severe storm caused damage to property and infrastructure in Kingscliff.

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)
bushfire3.53.8(+0.3)4.0(+0.5)
heat7.07.7(+0.7)8.5(+1.5)
coastal6.06.6(+0.6)7.2(+1.2)

By 2030, Kingscliff is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave frequency and coastal erosion.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risks, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Coastal Management Strategy

Near-term

Develop and implement a comprehensive coastal management strategy to address erosion and inundation risks.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Long-term

Promote bushfire preparedness through community education programs and hazard reduction activities.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Kingscliff's Climate Risk Profile

Kingscliff, located in the Tweed Shire of New South Wales, is a coastal town that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding, heatwaves, coastal erosion, and bushfires.

Flooding is a significant concern due to the town's proximity to the coast and nearby waterways. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels are expected to exacerbate flood risks, potentially impacting residential and commercial properties.

Heatwaves are also a growing threat, with projections indicating more frequent and intense heat events. This poses a particular risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Coastal erosion is another major concern, as sea level rise threatens to inundate low-lying areas and erode beaches. This could have significant impacts on tourism and the local economy.

While bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other regions, it is still a factor to consider, especially during dry periods. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and have a plan in place.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · Tweed Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Tweed Shire Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Kingscliff?

The main climate change risks in Kingscliff include flooding, heatwaves, coastal erosion, and bushfires. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to rising sea levels, increased rainfall intensity, and higher temperatures.

How is the council addressing climate change risks?

The Tweed Shire Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation plans to address the risks posed by climate change. These plans include measures to mitigate flooding, manage coastal erosion, and prepare for heatwaves.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change impacts?

Residents can take several steps to prepare for climate change impacts, such as checking flood maps, assessing their property's vulnerability to heatwaves, inquiring about insurance costs, and reviewing the council's climate adaptation plans.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Kingscliff?

You can find more information about flood risks in Kingscliff on the Tweed Shire Council website, including flood maps and information about flood preparedness.

How will sea level rise affect Kingscliff?

Sea level rise is expected to increase the risk of coastal erosion and inundation in Kingscliff, potentially impacting low-lying areas and infrastructure. The council is developing strategies to manage these risks.

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