Climate Risk in Kirkconnell, NSW

Kirkconnell, New South Wales· 2795
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Kirkconnell faces increasing risks from bushfires, floods and heatwaves due to climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent 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 Kirkconnell

increasing

Flood

60/100

Kirkconnell faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

The area surrounding Kirkconnell is bushfire-prone. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Higher temperatures
increasing

Heat

40/100

Kirkconnell is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Kirkconnell is not located near the coast, therefore the risk of coastal hazards is very low.

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 Kirkconnell

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

40/100

Kirkconnell is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Kirkconnell faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
  • ·Low-lying areas

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Kirkconnell is not located near the coast, therefore the risk of coastal hazards is very low.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

bushfire Risk

70/100

The area surrounding Kirkconnell is bushfire-prone. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

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

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk
  • 3.Consider heatwave resilience
  • 4.Review insurance options

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Campbell's River
Elevation Range
880-920m
Flood Zone
Unknown

The Campbell's River is the primary flood risk factor.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland
Planning Overlay
NSW RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is designated as bushfire prone.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
28°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
2 days

Heatwaves are becoming more common.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted the region surrounding Kirkconnell, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source
2016
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Kirkconnell, disrupting transport and damaging property.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Kirkconnell, 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, Kirkconnell is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood, bushfire, and heatwave risks.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Construct levees and improve drainage systems to mitigate flood risks.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness Programs

Immediate

Implement community education programs on bushfire preparedness and evacuation procedures.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Early Warning System

Near-term

Develop and implement a heatwave early warning system to protect vulnerable populations.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade Building Codes

Long-term

Update building codes to ensure new buildings are more resilient to climate change impacts.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Kirkconnell's Climate Risk Profile

Kirkconnell, NSW, is projected to experience a range of climate change impacts over the coming decades. These include increased temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and a greater frequency of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, bushfires, and floods.

The risk of bushfires is expected to increase due to drier conditions and higher temperatures. Residents should maintain their properties to reduce fuel loads and have a bushfire survival plan in place.

Flooding is also a concern, particularly for properties located near waterways. Increased rainfall intensity could lead to more frequent and severe flood events. It is important to understand your flood risk and take steps to protect your property.

Heatwaves are projected to become more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Residents should take steps to stay cool during heatwaves, such as drinking plenty of water and spending time in air-conditioned environments.

While coastal risks are minimal due to its inland location, the community should still be aware of broader climate trends and support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Kirkconnell?

The main climate change risks for Kirkconnell are increased bushfire risk, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and increased flooding due to heavier rainfall events.

How will climate change affect property values in Kirkconnell?

Properties in areas at high risk of flooding or bushfire may experience a decrease in value. It is important to assess the climate risks associated with a property before purchasing.

What can I do to prepare my home for bushfires?

You can prepare your home for bushfires by clearing vegetation around your property, maintaining your gutters, and having a bushfire survival plan in place.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, it is important to stay hydrated, spend time in air-conditioned environments, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

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

You can find more information about flood risks in Kirkconnell from the local council or the NSW State Emergency Service.

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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