Climate Risk in Marlowe, NSW

Marlowe, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Marlowe faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. The risk of flooding is increasing due to more intense rainfall events, while heatwave frequency and intensity are also expected to rise. Coastal risks are minimal due to its inland location.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
3.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Marlowe

increasing

Flood

60/100

Marlowe faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
stable

Bushfire

40/100

The bushfire risk in Marlowe is relatively low, but still present due to surrounding vegetation. Hot, dry conditions during summer increase the potential for bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

Marlowe is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

30/100

Coastal risks are low in Marlowe due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
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 Marlowe

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Marlowe is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Marlowe faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

30/100

Coastal risks are low in Marlowe due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.0

2050

3.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The bushfire risk in Marlowe is relatively low, but still present due to surrounding vegetation. Hot, dry conditions during summer increase the potential for bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and heatwave risks.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider bushfire risk if property borders bushland.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local River
Elevation Range
50-70m
Flood Zone
Partially within flood zone

Some areas near the river are prone to flooding during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
500m
Planning Overlay
Some areas have bushfire overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties bordering bushland are at higher risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

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

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Major flooding event affected many parts of NSW, including areas near Marlowe.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

Bushfire near the outskirts of Marlowe, contained by fire services.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several days.

Source
2020
floodMinor

Localized flooding due to heavy rainfall.

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)
bushfire404.2(+0.2)4.3(+0.3)
heat707.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal303.03.0

By 2030, Marlowe is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a moderate increase in flood risk. Bushfire risk is expected to remain relatively stable, while coastal risks will remain low.

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

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement community education programs on bushfire preparedness and evacuation procedures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade Building Codes

Long-term

Update building codes to ensure new buildings are more resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding and heatwaves.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Marlowe's Climate Risk Profile

Marlowe, NSW, is a suburb that will likely experience increased climate-related challenges in the coming decades. The primary concerns are flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk being a secondary consideration. Coastal risks are minimal due to its inland location.

Flooding is a significant concern for Marlowe. Increased rainfall intensity, driven by climate change, is expected to exacerbate the risk of both riverine and flash flooding. Urban development can also contribute to increased runoff, further increasing flood risk. Residents should be aware of flood warnings and have a plan in place in case of a flood event.

Heatwaves are also a growing concern for Marlowe. As temperatures rise due to climate change, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are expected to increase. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Residents should take precautions to stay cool during heatwaves, such as drinking plenty of water and staying in air-conditioned environments.

While the bushfire risk in Marlowe is relatively low, it is still important to be aware of the potential for bushfires, especially during the summer months. Residents should maintain their properties to reduce the risk of bushfires and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Overall, Marlowe faces moderate climate risks that are expected to increase in the future. Residents should take steps to prepare for these risks and mitigate their impact.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW State Emergency Service · NSW Rural Fire Service · NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Marlowe?

The main climate risks in Marlowe are flooding and heatwaves. The risk of flooding is increasing due to more intense rainfall events, while heatwave frequency and intensity are also expected to rise.

How will climate change affect property values in Marlowe?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value. Insurance premiums may also increase due to flood and heatwave risks.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Marlowe?

Take precautions to stay cool during heatwaves, such as drinking plenty of water and staying in air-conditioned environments. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Is Marlowe in a bushfire-prone area?

Some areas of Marlowe are in bushfire-prone areas, particularly those bordering bushland. Residents should maintain their properties to reduce the risk of bushfires and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

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

You can find more information about flood risks in Marlowe on the local council's website and the NSW State Emergency Service website.

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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