Climate Risk Assessment for Lowesdale, NSW

Lowesdale, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Lowesdale faces increasing risks from heatwaves and flooding due to climate change. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather events in the future.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Lowesdale

increasing

Flood

60/100

Lowesdale faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and relatively flat terrain. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate flood events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

The risk of bushfires in Lowesdale is moderate, influenced by surrounding vegetation and dry conditions. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire weather.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

Lowesdale is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Lowesdale is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

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 Lowesdale

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Lowesdale is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer.

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

60/100

Lowesdale faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and relatively flat terrain. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate flood events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Lowesdale is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The risk of bushfires in Lowesdale is moderate, influenced by surrounding vegetation and dry conditions. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire weather.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Strong winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the rising risk of extreme weather events.

Price Impact

Properties in areas prone to flooding or bushfires may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Develop a household emergency plan.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Murray River
Elevation Range
130-140m
Flood Zone
Low-lying areas near the Murray River

Historical flood data indicates that the area has experienced several moderate flood events in the past. Recent infrastructure improvements have aimed to mitigate some of the flood risk.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to state forests
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is classified as bushfire prone due to the presence of dry vegetation and prevailing winds during the fire season. Residents are advised to maintain firebreaks and have a bushfire survival plan.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

The average maximum temperature in January is expected to increase in the coming years, leading to more frequent and intense heat stress events. Vulnerable populations should take precautions during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused the Murray River to flood, impacting low-lying areas in and around Lowesdale.

Source
2017
bushfireModerate

A bushfire near Corowa threatened properties in Lowesdale, requiring residents to be on alert.

Source
2019
heatwaveMajor

Record-breaking temperatures during the summer heatwave put a strain on local resources and caused health concerns.

Source
2022
floodModerate

Significant rainfall led to localized flooding, disrupting transport and impacting agricultural land.

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)
bushfire404.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
heat707.7(+0.7)8.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Lowesdale is projected to experience a noticeable increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, as well as a higher risk of flooding due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk will also increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

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

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a community-based heat action plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Provide education and resources to residents on how to prepare for and respond to bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents to conserve water to reduce the strain on water resources during periods of drought.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Lowesdale's Climate Risk Profile

Lowesdale is a rural locality in New South Wales that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns for the area are rising temperatures, increased frequency of heatwaves, and the potential for more intense flooding events.

The risk of heatwaves is particularly significant, with projections indicating a substantial increase in the number of days exceeding extreme temperatures. This poses a threat to the health and well-being of residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Flooding is another major concern, as the area is prone to heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk, with more intense rainfall events leading to increased flood levels and potential damage to property and infrastructure.

While Lowesdale is not directly on the coast, changes in weather patterns can still affect the region. Residents should stay informed about weather forecasts and heed any warnings issued by emergency services.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Lowesdale?

The main risks are increased heatwaves, more intense rainfall leading to flooding, and a higher risk of bushfires.

How can I prepare my home for a heatwave?

Install air conditioning or fans, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Check on elderly neighbors and family members.

What should I do during a flood?

Stay informed about weather warnings, move valuables to higher ground, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Never drive or walk through floodwaters.

How can I protect my property from bushfires?

Maintain firebreaks around your property, clear gutters of debris, and have a bushfire survival plan. Know your evacuation route.

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

Consult the Federation Council website, the NSW government's climate change website, and the Bureau of Meteorology for the latest information and resources.

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