Climate Risk Profile: Mount Ousley, NSW
Mount Ousley faces moderate climate risks, primarily from bushfires and flooding. Increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are key concerns. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Mount Ousley
Flood
Mount Ousley faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and elevation changes. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
The suburb is at high risk of bushfires due to its location near bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Mount Ousley experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected.
Key drivers:
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Coastal risk is low due to the suburb's distance from the immediate coastline, though sea level rise could indirectly affect the region.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
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 Mount Ousley
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
Mount Ousley experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected.
Primary Drivers
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
4.5
2050
5.0
flood Risk
Mount Ousley faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and elevation changes. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Climate change
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
6.5
2050
7.0
coastal Risk
Coastal risk is low due to the suburb's distance from the immediate coastline, though sea level rise could indirectly affect the region.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
1.0
2050
1.5
bushfire Risk
The suburb is at high risk of bushfires due to its location near bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Strong winds
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.5
2050
8.0
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to climate risks.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience price stagnation or decline.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
- 3.Inquire about council's climate adaptation plans.
- 4.Review insurance coverage and potential premium increases.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Para Creek
- Elevation Range
- 20-200m
- Flood Zone
- Some areas are within a designated flood zone.
Historical flood events have impacted parts of Mount Ousley, particularly areas near Para Creek.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Adjacent to bushland reserves
- Planning Overlay
- Bushfire prone area overlay applies
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
The RFS actively manages bushfire risks in the area through hazard reduction burns and community education programs.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 27.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 3 days
Heatwaves can place strain on the local electricity grid and increase demand for cooling.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 5 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Indirectly exposed to sea level rise impacts
- Erosion Risk
- Low
Historical Climate Events
Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in parts of Mount Ousley, affecting some residential areas.
SourceA bushfire near Mount Ousley caused road closures and required firefighting efforts.
SourceProlonged heatwave conditions led to increased demand for emergency services and placed strain on infrastructure.
SourceBushfires in the region caused smoky conditions and raised concerns about air quality in Mount Ousley.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 60 | 6.5(+0.5) | 7.0(+1.0) |
| bushfire | 70 | 7.5(+0.5) | 8.0(+1.0) |
| heat | 40 | 4.3(+0.3) | 4.7(+0.7) |
| coastal | 10 | 1.1(+0.1) | 1.2(+0.2) |
By 2030, Mount Ousley is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and bushfire risk due to more intense rainfall events and prolonged dry periods.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Improve stormwater drainage
Near-termUpgrade stormwater infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreImplement bushfire management plan
ImmediateDevelop and implement a comprehensive bushfire management plan, including hazard reduction burns and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreEnhance heatwave preparedness
Near-termEstablish cooling centers and implement public awareness campaigns to help residents cope with extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn morePromote water conservation
Long-termEncourage water conservation measures to reduce strain on water resources during prolonged dry periods.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreStrengthen building codes
Long-termUpdate building codes to ensure new construction is resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding and bushfires.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Mount Ousley's Climate Risk Profile
Mount Ousley, located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, is exposed to a range of climate-related risks. The suburb's proximity to bushland elevates the risk of bushfires, particularly during the hot and dry summer months. Changes in rainfall patterns and increased storm intensity contribute to a heightened flood risk, especially in low-lying areas.
Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a threat to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. While the immediate coastal risks are relatively low, the broader region is susceptible to the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Climate change projections indicate that these risks are likely to intensify in the coming decades. Residents and property owners should take proactive measures to mitigate these risks, such as maintaining firebreaks, improving drainage, and preparing for extreme weather events.
The local council is developing strategies to address climate change and enhance community resilience. These strategies include improving infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, and raising awareness about climate risks.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · Wollongong City Council
Local Government Resources
Wollongong City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks facing Mount Ousley?
The main climate risks include bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. These risks are projected to increase in the coming decades due to climate change.
How can I prepare my property for bushfires?
You can prepare your property by maintaining firebreaks, clearing gutters of debris, 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 advice of emergency services.
Where can I find information about local emergency services?
You can find information about local emergency services on the NSW Emergency Services website.
Is Mount Ousley likely to experience more heatwaves in the future?
Yes, climate projections indicate that Mount Ousley is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future.
What is the council doing to address climate change?
Wollongong City Council is developing and implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance community resilience, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
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