Climate Risk Assessment for Marlee, NSW

Marlee, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Marlee faces increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves due to climate change. The suburb's proximity to waterways and exposure to higher temperatures make it vulnerable. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

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 Marlee

increasing

Flood

60/100

Marlee 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

40/100

The risk of bushfires in Marlee is moderate, given the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures due to climate change may exacerbate bushfire risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Higher temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

Marlee is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Marlee is not directly exposed to coastal risks such as sea level rise or coastal erosion due to its inland location.

Key drivers:

  • ·Inland location
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 Marlee

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Marlee is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Marlee 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

Marlee is not directly exposed to coastal risks such as sea level rise or coastal erosion due to its inland location.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Inland location

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The risk of bushfires in Marlee is moderate, given the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures due to climate change may exacerbate bushfire risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Higher temperatures
  • ·Proximity to bushland

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurers may increase premiums in response to increased flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades to reduce cooling costs.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Unnamed Creek
Elevation Range
50-70m
Flood Zone
Potentially affected

Local creeks and drainage systems may be overwhelmed during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

Properties bordering bushland are at higher risk during bushfire season.

Heat Evidence

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

Elderly and vulnerable residents are at increased risk during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas, impacting several homes and businesses.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the region caused smoke haze and required residents to be prepared for potential evacuation.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on the electricity grid.

Source
2022
floodMajor

Significant flooding event impacted the region, leading to road closures and property damage.

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)4.6(+0.6)
heat707.7(+0.7)8.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Marlee is projected to experience a noticeable increase in flood and heatwave risk. Bushfire risk will also increase slightly. Coastal risks remain minimal.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

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

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as clearing vegetation around properties and developing evacuation plans.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plan

Immediate

Establish cooling centers and provide support for vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce strain on water resources during droughts and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Marlee's Climate Risk Profile

Marlee, located in New South Wales, is projected to experience a range of climate-related challenges in the coming decades. The primary concerns are increased flooding risk due to more intense rainfall and rising average temperatures leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves.

The risk of flooding is expected to increase as climate change intensifies rainfall patterns. This could lead to more frequent inundation of low-lying areas and potential damage to property and infrastructure. Residents should stay informed about flood warnings and take necessary precautions.

Heatwaves are also a significant concern, with projections indicating higher average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events. This poses a risk to public health, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Access to cooling centers and adequate hydration are crucial during heatwaves.

While Marlee is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased demand for resources, could indirectly affect the community. Adapting to these changes will require a coordinated effort from residents, local government, and emergency services.

Mitigation efforts at the global level are essential to reduce the overall severity of climate change impacts. However, local adaptation measures are also necessary to protect the community from the specific risks it faces. This includes investing in flood control infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency, and raising awareness about climate change risks.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Marlee?

The main risks are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall and more frequent and severe heatwaves.

How can I prepare my home for flooding?

Consider installing flood barriers, raising electrical appliances, and ensuring proper drainage around your property.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities.

How can I reduce my carbon footprint in Marlee?

Conserve energy, use public transport or cycle, and support local businesses that prioritize sustainability.

Where can I find information about emergency services in Marlee?

You can find information on the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) website or by contacting your local council.

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