Climate Risk Profile: Kogarah Bay, NSW

Kogarah Bay, New South Wales· Georges River· 2217
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Kogarah Bay faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity are key concerns. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.2
Heat
7.1
Coastal
6.4

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Kogarah Bay

increasing

Flood

65/100

Kogarah Bay is susceptible to flooding due to its proximity to the bay and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity, causing inundation of properties and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

32/100

The risk of bushfire in Kogarah Bay is relatively low due to its urban environment and limited vegetation. However, nearby bushland areas can pose a threat during extreme weather conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation
increasing

Heat

71/100

Kogarah Bay experiences high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. Urban areas retain heat, exacerbating the impact on vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

64/100

As a coastal suburb, Kogarah Bay is vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion. Increased storm surges and inundation can impact properties and infrastructure along the shoreline.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm frequency
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 Kogarah Bay

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

71/100

Kogarah Bay experiences high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. Urban areas retain heat, exacerbating the impact on vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.6

2050

8.2

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Kogarah Bay is susceptible to flooding due to its proximity to the bay and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity, causing inundation of properties and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development reducing permeable surfaces

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

64/100

As a coastal suburb, Kogarah Bay is vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion. Increased storm surges and inundation can impact properties and infrastructure along the shoreline.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.8

2050

7.3

Data source

bushfire Risk

32/100

The risk of bushfire in Kogarah Bay is relatively low due to its urban environment and limited vegetation. However, nearby bushland areas can pose a threat during extreme weather conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

3.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and coastal risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and overlays
  • 2.Assess coastal erosion risks
  • 3.Evaluate energy efficiency of property
  • 4.Consider potential for increased insurance premiums

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Kogarah Bay
Elevation Range
0-10 meters
Flood Zone
Yes

Several properties in Kogarah Bay are identified as being within a flood zone.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
1-2 km to Oatley Park
Planning Overlay
Some areas may be subject to bushfire overlays.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Check with local council for specific bushfire prone areas.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
29°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Urban areas experience higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas are exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Some coastal areas are at risk of erosion.

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in Kogarah Bay, inundating some properties and roads.

Source
2020
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Kogarah Bay, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius for several days.

Source
2016
stormMinor

A severe storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to Kogarah Bay, causing minor damage to properties.

Source
2007
floodMajor

Significant flooding impacted the region, affecting homes and businesses in low-lying areas of Kogarah Bay.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

HazardToday2030205020302050
flood656.9(+0.4)7.2(+0.7)7.1(+0.6)7.6(+1.1)
bushfire323.3(+0.1)3.4(+0.2)3.4(+0.2)3.6(+0.4)
heat717.6(+0.5)7.9(+0.8)7.8(+0.7)8.3(+1.2)
coastal646.7(+0.3)7.0(+0.6)6.9(+0.5)7.4(+1.0)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Kogarah Bay is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and heat risks.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Immediate

Upgrade stormwater drainage systems to increase capacity and reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Protect Coastal Areas

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Promote Energy Efficiency

Long-term

Encourage energy efficiency measures in homes and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Raise Community Awareness

Near-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures through workshops, online resources, and community events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Kogarah Bay's Climate Risk Profile

Kogarah Bay, located in New South Wales, is a suburb that faces a range of climate-related challenges. Its proximity to the coast and low-lying areas make it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise and increased flooding. The urban environment also contributes to the urban heat island effect, exacerbating the impact of heatwaves during summer months.

Flooding is a significant concern for Kogarah Bay, with intense rainfall events leading to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity. This can result in inundation of properties and infrastructure, causing damage and disruption to daily life. Sea level rise further compounds this risk, increasing the likelihood of coastal inundation during high tides and storm surges.

The risk of bushfire in Kogarah Bay is relatively low due to its urban environment and limited vegetation. However, nearby bushland areas can pose a threat during extreme weather conditions. Residents should be aware of the potential for bushfires and take necessary precautions to protect their properties.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Kogarah Bay, posing a significant health risk to vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect further exacerbates this risk, with built-up areas retaining heat and increasing temperatures. Residents should take steps to stay cool during heatwaves, such as drinking plenty of water, seeking air-conditioned environments, and avoiding strenuous activity.

Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort from local government, residents, and businesses. Implementing adaptation measures, such as improving drainage infrastructure, protecting coastal areas, and promoting energy efficiency, can help to reduce the impact of climate change on Kogarah Bay.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · Georges River Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Kogarah Bay?

Kogarah Bay is primarily at risk from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards due to its low-lying location and proximity to the coast.

How will sea level rise affect Kogarah Bay?

Sea level rise will increase the risk of coastal inundation during high tides and storm surges, potentially impacting properties and infrastructure along the shoreline.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Kogarah Bay?

During heatwaves, it is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, avoid strenuous activity, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Kogarah Bay?

You can find information about flood risks on the Georges River Council website, including flood maps and advice on how to protect your property.

Is my property in Kogarah Bay at risk from bushfire?

While the overall bushfire risk is relatively low, some areas near bushland may be at risk. Check with the local council for specific bushfire prone areas and follow advice from the NSW Rural Fire Service.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Kogarah Bay?

Georges River Council is implementing a range of measures to address climate change, including improving drainage infrastructure, protecting coastal areas, and promoting energy efficiency.

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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