Climate Risk in Maxwell, NSW

Maxwell, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Maxwell faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also present. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly heat and flooding. 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
2.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Maxwell

increasing

Flood

60/100

Maxwell faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and nearby waterways. Properties close to creeks are most vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
stable

Bushfire

40/100

The bushfire risk in Maxwell is moderate due to surrounding vegetation. Fire danger is highest during dry periods and heatwaves.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

Maxwell is exposed to high heat, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

20/100

Coastal risk is low in Maxwell due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast
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 Maxwell

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Maxwell is exposed to high heat, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Maxwell faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and nearby waterways. Properties close to creeks are most vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

20/100

Coastal risk is low in Maxwell due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

2.0

2050

2.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The bushfire risk in Maxwell is moderate due to surrounding vegetation. Fire danger is highest during dry periods and heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate risks

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price impacts

Buyer Checklist

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

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local Creeks
Elevation Range
Varies across the suburb
Flood Zone
Areas near creeks are flood-prone

Historical flood data indicates that some properties have been affected by flooding in the past.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Some properties border bushland
Planning Overlay
Check NSW RFS website
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should maintain a defensible space around their homes.

Heat Evidence

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

Elderly and vulnerable residents are at higher risk during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Maxwell.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

A bushfire near Maxwell threatened properties but was contained.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Maxwell, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

Source
2020
stormMinor

A severe thunderstorm caused localized flooding and damage in Maxwell.

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)4.5(+0.5)
heat707.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal202.02.0

By 2030, Maxwell is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with the most significant increases in heatwave frequency and intensity. Flood risk is also expected to increase due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plan

Immediate

Implement a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including cooling centers and outreach programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Risk Mitigation

Near-term

Implement bushfire risk reduction measures, such as controlled burns and vegetation management.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Educate residents about climate risks and how to prepare for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Maxwell's Climate Risk Profile

Maxwell is a suburb in New South Wales that experiences a range of climate-related risks. The primary concerns are flooding due to heavy rainfall and heatwaves during the summer months. Bushfire risk is also present, particularly in areas close to bushland.

Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Maxwell. This includes more intense rainfall, leading to increased flood risk, and higher average temperatures, resulting in more frequent and severe heatwaves. The bushfire risk may also increase due to drier conditions.

Residents and property owners in Maxwell should take steps to prepare for these risks. This includes maintaining properties to reduce flood damage, having a bushfire survival plan, and taking precautions during heatwaves. It is also important to stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings.

The local council is working to address climate change risks through various initiatives, including improving drainage infrastructure, managing bushland, and implementing heatwave response plans. However, individual action is also essential to protect lives and property.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Maxwell?

The main climate risks in Maxwell are flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. These risks are expected to increase due to climate change.

How can I prepare for flooding in Maxwell?

You can prepare for flooding by maintaining your property, having an emergency plan, and staying informed about weather forecasts and warnings.

What should I do during a heatwave in Maxwell?

During a heatwave, stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Visit a cooling center if necessary.

How can I protect my property from bushfires in Maxwell?

Protect your property by maintaining a defensible space around your home, having a bushfire survival plan, and staying informed about fire danger ratings.

What is the local council doing to address climate change in Maxwell?

The local council is implementing various initiatives, including improving drainage infrastructure, managing bushland, and developing heatwave response plans.

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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