Climate Risk in Moolpa, New South Wales

Moolpa, New South Wales· Wentworth

Medium Risk

Updated May 2026

Moolpa is a rural locality in New South Wales that faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Bushfire risk is relatively low but could increase with hotter, drier conditions.

Overall Risk Score

52/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.5

Bushfire

3.0

Heat

6.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Moolpa

increasing

Flood

65/100

Moolpa faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Murray River. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Riverine flooding

increasing

Bushfire

30/100

The bushfire risk in Moolpa is relatively low due to the sparse vegetation in the area. However, hotter and drier conditions due to climate change could increase the risk.

Key drivers:

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions

increasing

Heat

60/100

Moolpa experiences high temperatures during summer, and climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves

stable

Coastal

10/100

Moolpa is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea-level rise or coastal erosion.

Key drivers:

·Inland location

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 Moolpa

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

60/100

Moolpa experiences high temperatures during summer, and climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Moolpa faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Murray River. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Riverine flooding
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Moolpa is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea-level rise or coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

·Inland location

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

The bushfire risk in Moolpa is relatively low due to the sparse vegetation in the area. However, hotter and drier conditions due to climate change could increase the risk.

Primary Drivers

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions
·Vegetation dryness

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to the increased risk of flooding and heatwaves.

Price Impact

Property values may be negatively impacted by the increased risk of climate-related hazards.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
4.Consider the long-term climate risks when making a purchase decision.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Murray River
Elevation Range: 30-40m
Flood Zone: Likely

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: 5km
Planning Overlay: RFS Map
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 33.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 5 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 900 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: None
Erosion Risk: None

Historical Climate Events

2011

floodMajor

The Murray River experienced a major flood event, impacting Moolpa and surrounding areas. Many properties were inundated, and significant damage occurred.

Source

2019

heatwaveModerate

Moolpa experienced a prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several days. This put a strain on the local infrastructure and caused health problems for vulnerable residents.

Source

2023

floodModerate

Moderate flooding along the Murray River impacted low-lying areas in Moolpa. Some roads were closed, and residents were advised to take precautions.

Source

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	30	3.3(+0.3)	3.5(+0.5)
heat	60	6.7(+0.7)	7.2(+1.2)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Moolpa is projected to experience an increase in flood and heatwave risk. Bushfire risk may also increase slightly. The overall climate risk for Moolpa is expected to increase moderately.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect against flooding from the Murray River, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Long-term

Implement measures to reduce the risk of bushfires, such as vegetation management and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Near-term

Encourage residents to conserve water to reduce the strain on water resources during droughts and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Moolpa's Climate Risk Profile

Moolpa, NSW, is a small rural community located near the Murray River. The primary climate-related risks for Moolpa are flooding and heatwaves. The Murray River poses a significant flood risk, and increased rainfall intensity due to climate change could lead to more frequent and severe flooding events.

Heatwaves are another significant concern for Moolpa. The region already experiences high temperatures during summer, and climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This could pose a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Bushfire risk is relatively low in Moolpa due to the sparse vegetation in the area. However, hotter and drier conditions due to climate change could increase the risk of bushfires in the future. It's important for residents to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to prepare for bushfires.

While Moolpa is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased migration, could indirectly affect the community. Adapting to climate change will require a combination of local actions and broader policy changes.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Local Government Resources

Wentworth Shire Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Moolpa?

The main climate change risks for Moolpa are flooding from the Murray River and increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

How will climate change affect property values in Moolpa?

Property values in Moolpa may be negatively impacted by the increased risk of climate-related hazards, such as flooding and heatwaves.

What can I do to prepare for flooding in Moolpa?

You can prepare for flooding by checking flood maps, ensuring adequate insurance coverage, and taking steps to protect your property from flood damage.

Where can I find information about emergency services in Moolpa?

You can find information about emergency services on the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) website.

Is Moolpa prone to bushfires?

While the immediate vicinity of Moolpa is sparsely vegetated, surrounding areas contain bushland that could pose a bushfire risk under certain conditions. Residents should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to prepare for bushfires.