Climate Risk Profile: Medway, NSW
Medway faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Medway
Flood
Medway faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
Medway has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Medway is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Medway is not directly exposed to coastal risks.
Wind
Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts
Storm
Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail
Social
Moderate social stability — mixed urban density
Energy
Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Medway
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Medway is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Reduced vegetation cover
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
6.5
2050
7.0
flood Risk
Medway faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.0
2050
7.5
coastal Risk
Medway is not directly exposed to coastal risks.
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
1.0
2050
1.0
bushfire Risk
Medway has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Fuel load
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
4.5
2050
5.0
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to the rising risk of flooding and bushfires.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas 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.Consider the cost of insurance and potential for increased premiums.
- 4.Inquire about council plans for climate adaptation.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Wingecarribee River
- Elevation Range
- 600-650m
- Flood Zone
- Medium
Historical flood data indicates that parts of Medway have been affected by flooding in the past.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Adjacent
- Planning Overlay
- RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
The area is designated as bushfire prone, requiring specific building standards for new constructions.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 26.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 3 days
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in the region.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 100 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Not Applicable
- Erosion Risk
- Not Applicable
Historical Climate Events
Climate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 65 | 7.0(+0.5) | 7.5(+1.0) |
| bushfire | 40 | 4.3(+0.3) | 4.5(+0.5) |
| heat | 60 | 6.7(+0.7) | 7.2(+1.2) |
| coastal | 10 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
By 2030, Medway is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, particularly flooding and heatwaves.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Improve Drainage Infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreBushfire Mitigation Measures
ImmediateImplement bushfire mitigation measures, such as clearing vegetation around homes and creating firebreaks.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreHeatwave Preparedness Plan
Near-termDevelop a heatwave preparedness plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreCommunity Awareness Programs
Long-termConduct community awareness programs to educate residents about climate risks and adaptation strategies.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Medway's Climate Risk Profile
Medway, located in the Wingecarribee Shire of New South Wales, is vulnerable to several climate-related hazards. The primary concerns are flooding due to increased rainfall intensity, bushfires exacerbated by hotter and drier conditions, and heatwaves that pose a risk to public health.
The risk of flooding is heightened by the suburb's proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change projections indicate an increase in extreme rainfall events, which could overwhelm existing drainage infrastructure and lead to more frequent and severe flooding.
Bushfire risk is also a significant concern, with surrounding bushland providing ample fuel for fires. Rising temperatures and prolonged dry periods are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires, posing a threat to homes and infrastructure.
Heatwaves are becoming more common and intense, particularly during the summer months. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic health conditions. Residents should take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during heatwaves.
While Medway is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the impacts of climate change will be felt across the region. Residents should take steps to prepare for these challenges and adapt to a changing climate.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · Wingecarribee Shire Council
Local Government Resources
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks facing Medway?
Medway faces risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change.
How can I prepare for flooding in Medway?
Stay informed about flood warnings, clear gutters and drains, and have an evacuation plan in place.
What should I do during a heatwave?
Stay cool and hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
How can I protect my home from bushfires?
Clear vegetation around your home, install fire-resistant materials, and have a bushfire survival plan.
Where can I find more information about climate change in Medway?
Visit the Wingecarribee Shire Council website or the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website.
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