Climate Risk Profile: Mount Russell, NSW

Mount Russell, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Mount Russell faces increasing risks from bushfires and heatwaves due to climate change. Flooding is also a concern, particularly in low-lying areas. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Mount Russell

increasing

Flood

40/100

Flooding may pose a risk to properties in low-lying areas, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Local waterways and drainage systems can become overwhelmed, leading to potential inundation of residential and commercial areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development reducing permeable surfaces
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

The area is susceptible to bushfires due to the presence of surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk of fire ignition and spread, potentially threatening properties and lives.

Key drivers:

  • ·Drier climate
  • ·Increased fuel load in surrounding bushland
increasing

Heat

50/100

Mount Russell is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This can lead to heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations, and increased energy demand for cooling.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Mount Russell is not located near the coast, therefore coastal hazards are not a significant concern.

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 Mount Russell

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Mount Russell is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This can lead to heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations, and increased energy demand for cooling.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Flooding may pose a risk to properties in low-lying areas, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Local waterways and drainage systems can become overwhelmed, leading to potential inundation of residential and commercial areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development reducing permeable surfaces

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Mount Russell is not located near the coast, therefore coastal hazards are not a significant concern.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

The area is susceptible to bushfires due to the presence of surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk of fire ignition and spread, potentially threatening properties and lives.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Drier climate
  • ·Increased fuel load in surrounding bushland

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate-related risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone land maps
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves
  • 3.Consider the potential for increased insurance premiums
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local creeks and drainage systems
Elevation Range
Varies across the suburb
Flood Zone
Areas near creeks are prone to flooding

Check with the local council for specific flood risk information for your property.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to significant bushland areas
Planning Overlay
Refer to NSW RFS bushfire prone land maps
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Prepare a bushfire survival plan and maintain your property to reduce fire risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Stay informed about heatwave warnings and take precautions to stay cool.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
150 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not applicable
Erosion Risk
Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2019
bushfireMajor

Severe bushfires impacted the region surrounding Mount Russell, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source
2017
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of the region, disrupting transport and damaging property.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in heat stress and increased demand on emergency services.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
bushfire707.4(+0.4)7.8(+0.8)
heat505.6(+0.6)6.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Mount Russell is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, driven primarily by increased bushfire and heatwave risks. Flooding risk is also expected to increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a bushfire survival plan

Immediate

Prepare a plan for evacuating your property in the event of a bushfire, including identifying evacuation routes and assembling an emergency kit.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve home cooling and insulation

Near-term

Install air conditioning or fans, and improve insulation to reduce heat stress during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Improve drainage around your property

Near-term

Ensure that drainage systems are clear and functioning properly to reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Support local climate adaptation initiatives

Long-term

Participate in community efforts to reduce climate risks and build resilience.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Mount Russell's Climate Risk Profile

Mount Russell, NSW, is projected to experience a changing climate with increased risks from bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding. The surrounding bushland makes the area vulnerable to bushfires, especially during hot and dry conditions. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these conditions, leading to more frequent and intense fires.

Heatwaves are also expected to become more common and severe, posing a risk to public health, particularly for the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Residents should take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during heatwaves.

Flooding is a potential concern in low-lying areas of Mount Russell, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding events. Improved drainage and flood management strategies are needed to mitigate this risk.

While coastal hazards are not a direct threat to Mount Russell due to its inland location, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased migration, could indirectly affect the community. Adapting to these changes will require a coordinated effort from residents, businesses, and local government.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW SES

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Mount Russell?

The main climate change risks for Mount Russell are increased bushfire risk, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and increased flooding risk.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires?

You can prepare your property for bushfires by clearing vegetation around your home, maintaining your gutters, and developing a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, you should stay indoors in a cool place, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity.

How can I reduce my risk of flooding?

You can reduce your risk of flooding by ensuring that drainage systems are clear and functioning properly, and by avoiding building in low-lying areas.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Mount Russell?

You can find more information about climate change in Mount Russell on the local council website and the NSW government website.

Get your property's risk report

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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