Climate Risk in Milsons Passage, New South Wales

Milsons Passage, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Milsons Passage faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
4.5

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Milsons Passage

increasing

Flood

65/100

Milsons Passage faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and sea-level rise are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea-level rise
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

The bushfire risk in Milsons Passage is moderate due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Hotter, drier conditions
  • ·Increased fuel load
increasing

Heat

60/100

Milsons Passage is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

45/100

Milsons Passage faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to sea level rise. This includes potential inundation of low-lying areas and increased erosion.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea-level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge
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 Milsons Passage

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Milsons Passage is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Milsons Passage faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and sea-level rise are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea-level rise
  • ·Proximity to waterways

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

45/100

Milsons Passage faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to sea level rise. This includes potential inundation of low-lying areas and increased erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea-level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The bushfire risk in Milsons Passage is moderate due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Hotter, drier conditions
  • ·Increased fuel load
  • ·Proximity to bushland

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

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 potential impact of sea-level rise.
  • 4.Review insurance options and costs.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Hawkesbury River
Elevation Range
0-20 meters
Flood Zone
Likely

Low-lying areas near the Hawkesbury River are particularly vulnerable to flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

The suburb is adjacent to significant bushland, increasing bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Average maximum temperatures in January are high, increasing the risk of heat stress.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas exposed to sea-level rise
Erosion Risk
Moderate

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodModerate

Major flooding along the Hawkesbury River impacted Milsons Passage, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source
2020
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the region caused smoke haze and increased fire risk in Milsons Passage.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased heat stress and health concerns for residents.

Source
2016
stormMinor

Severe storms caused localized flooding and power outages in the area.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5

HazardToday20302050
flood657.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire404.3(+0.3)4.6(+0.6)
heat606.7(+0.7)7.2(+1.2)
coastal454.7(+0.2)5.0(+0.5)

By 2030, Milsons Passage is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and heatwave risks. Adaptation measures will be crucial to mitigate these impacts.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Construct or upgrade flood levees and drainage systems to protect properties from inundation.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Vegetation Management

Near-term

Implement vegetation management strategies to reduce bushfire fuel loads around properties.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Early Warning System

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave early warning system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on how to stay safe.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Coastal Protection Measures

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to protect properties from erosion and inundation.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Immediate

Conduct community education programs to raise awareness of climate risks and promote preparedness.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Milsons Passage's Climate Risk Profile

Milsons Passage, located in New South Wales, is susceptible to a range of climate-related hazards. The primary risks include flooding due to its proximity to waterways, bushfires due to surrounding vegetation, and heatwaves during the summer months. Sea-level rise also poses a threat to coastal areas within the suburb.

The risk of flooding is expected to increase with more intense rainfall events and rising sea levels. This could lead to inundation of low-lying areas, damage to property, and disruption to infrastructure. Bushfire risk is also projected to increase due to hotter, drier conditions, which could lead to more frequent and intense fires.

Heatwaves are becoming more common and severe, posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations. The elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly at risk during extreme heat events. Coastal erosion and inundation are also concerns, especially in areas close to the shoreline.

Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures. Mitigation efforts focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow down the rate of climate change. Adaptation measures focus on preparing for the impacts of climate change that are already locked in, such as building flood defenses, managing vegetation to reduce bushfire risk, and implementing heatwave early warning systems.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW State Emergency Service · NSW Rural Fire Service · Central Coast Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Milsons Passage?

The main climate risks include flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion.

How is climate change expected to impact Milsons Passage in the future?

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as floods, bushfires, and heatwaves.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change?

Residents can take steps to prepare for climate change by improving their home's resilience to extreme weather events, developing an emergency plan, and staying informed about climate risks.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The Central Coast Council is developing and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Where can I find more information about climate risks in Milsons Passage?

You can find more information about climate risks from the Central Coast Council, the NSW State Emergency Service, and the Bureau of Meteorology.

Will my insurance cover climate-related damages?

It depends on your insurance policy. Check with your insurer to understand what is covered and what is not.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Milsons Passage, use our analysis tool.

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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