Flood Risk in McLeans Ridges, NSW: 2026 Assessment

McLeans Ridges, New South Wales· UNKNOWN
McLeans Ridges faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location and rainfall patterns. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.Updated 13 Apr 2026

Flood Risk Score

6.0/10

McLeans Ridges faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location and rainfall patterns. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Key Facts

Flood Risk
McLeans Ridges faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location and rainfall patterns. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
McLeans Ridges, NSW
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
2480
Highest high-risk exposure
20.1% of land (bushfire)

Flood Risk Analysis

McLeans Ridges, located in New South Wales, has a notable flood risk profile based on available data including proximity to waterways, elevation, and historical flood events. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) maintains river height and flood warning data for catchments across New South Wales.

The Richmond River is nearby, increasing flood risk.

McLeans Ridges faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location and rainfall patterns. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

For a comprehensive property-specific flood assessment including address-level elevation data, flood overlay mapping, and insurance cost estimates, use the ClimateNest full analysis tool. General suburb data cannot replace a site-specific evaluation.

McLeans Ridges sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for flood risk. 10.1% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk flood zones and 76.2% in moderate-risk zones, based on the national hazard overlay. Exposure at this scale varies street by street, which is why an address-level check matters before you buy or insure a specific property in McLeans Ridges.

McLeans Ridges (postcode 2480) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (20.1% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (15.5% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (10.1% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across McLeans Ridges — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.

Local Hazard Evidence

Nearest WaterwayRichmond River
Elevation Range100-200m
Flood Zone ClassificationPotentially affected

Historical Events

2022
Catastrophic

Record-breaking floods devastated the Northern Rivers region, including McLeans Ridges, causing widespread damage and displacement.

2017
Moderate

Widespread flooding in the Northern Rivers region, impacting McLeans Ridges.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood-resistant building measures.

Est. cost: Medium

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Create firebreaks, clear vegetation around properties, and develop evacuation plans.

Est. cost: Low

Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Community Education

Long-term

Raise awareness about climate risks and adaptation strategies through workshops and information campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Sustainable Land Management

Long-term

Promote sustainable land use practices to reduce erosion and improve water management.

Est. cost: Medium

Council & Emergency Services

Lismore City Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 13 April 2026

Explore McLeans Ridges Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is McLeans Ridges at risk of flooding?

Based on available data, McLeans Ridges has a notable flood risk profile. Flood risk varies by address — check your specific property for precise flood zone mapping and elevation data with ClimateNest.

What flood insurance costs can I expect in McLeans Ridges?

Insurance costs for flood cover in McLeans Ridges depend on the property's flood zone classification, elevation, and proximity to waterways. ClimateNest provides address-level insurance cost estimates based on your property's specific hazard exposure.

Does flood risk affect property values in McLeans Ridges?

Yes, flood risk can affect property values in McLeans Ridges. Properties in mapped flood zones may experience lower buyer demand, reduced valuations, and higher insurance costs. Lenders increasingly assess flood exposure as part of mortgage risk evaluation.

How does elevation affect flood risk in McLeans Ridges?

Elevation is a critical factor in flood risk. Properties at higher elevations within McLeans Ridges typically have lower flood exposure than those near waterways or in low-lying areas. Address-level elevation data combined with BOM flood mapping provides the most accurate picture.

What share of McLeans Ridges is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 20.1% of McLeans Ridges in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 57.6% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.

Is McLeans Ridges Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for McLeans Ridges, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

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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