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Climate Risk Assessment for Meryla, NSW

Meryla, New South Wales· Wingecarribee
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Meryla faces increasing risks from bushfires and floods due to climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events. Heatwaves are also expected to become more common.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
4.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Meryla

increasing

Flood

60/100

Meryla faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and undulating terrain. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Meryla has a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Higher temperatures
increasing

Heat

40/100

Meryla experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This can impact vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Meryla is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

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 Meryla

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs

Insurance Costs

Premium estimates and insurance availability

Investment Score

Climate-adjusted property investment analysis

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

40/100

Meryla experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This can impact vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Meryla faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and undulating terrain. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Meryla is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (N/A)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Meryla has a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Higher temperatures
  • ·Increased fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the elevated risk of bushfires and floods.

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 property's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
  • 3.Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Wingecarribee River
Elevation Range
600-700m
Flood Zone
Moderate

The Wingecarribee River poses a flood risk to low-lying areas in Meryla.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

Meryla is designated as a bushfire-prone area due to its proximity to dense vegetation.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
26.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
2 days

Average January maximum temperature is increasing, leading to more heat stress events.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
120 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
None
Erosion Risk
None

Historical Climate Events

2019
bushfireMajor

The 2019-2020 bushfires significantly impacted the region, with widespread damage to property and the environment.

Source
2016
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Meryla, resulting in property damage and road closures.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

A bushfire near Meryla required emergency response but caused limited damage.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in the Wingecarribee Shire, impacting Meryla and surrounding areas.

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)
bushfire707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
heat404.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Meryla is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, particularly bushfires and floods. Heatwaves will also become more common, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood mitigation measures to reduce the impact of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire management strategies, including vegetation clearing and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Management Plan

Near-term

Develop and implement a heatwave management plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Conduct community awareness programs to educate residents about climate change risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Meryla's Climate Risk Profile

Meryla, located in the Wingecarribee Shire of New South Wales, is facing increasing climate-related challenges. The primary concerns are the rising risks of bushfires and floods, driven by changing weather patterns and increased rainfall intensity. The suburb's proximity to extensive bushland elevates the bushfire threat, while its topography makes it susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Climate change projections indicate a trend towards hotter, drier conditions, which will further exacerbate the bushfire risk. The increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves will also pose a significant threat to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Flooding is another major concern for Meryla. Increased rainfall intensity, coupled with existing drainage limitations, could lead to more frequent and severe flood events. This can cause damage to property, disrupt infrastructure, and pose a risk to human safety.

While Meryla is not directly exposed to coastal risks, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and economic activity, could still affect the suburb. It is crucial for residents and local authorities to take proactive measures to adapt to these changing conditions and mitigate the risks.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW SES · Wingecarribee Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Wingecarribee Shire Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks facing Meryla?

Meryla faces increasing risks from bushfires, floods, and heatwaves due to climate change. These risks are projected to worsen in the future.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires?

You can prepare your property by clearing vegetation, maintaining gutters, and having a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a flood?

During a flood, you should move to higher ground, avoid driving through floodwaters, and follow the instructions of emergency services.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, you should stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and seek shelter in air-conditioned environments.

What is the local council doing to address climate change?

The Wingecarribee Shire Council is developing and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies to reduce the risks facing the community.

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$7.2B
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$300B+
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30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

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