Climate Risk in Mungindi, New South Wales

Mungindi, New South Wales· 2406
High Risk
Updated May 2026

Mungindi faces significant climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Bushfire risk is moderate. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

72/100
High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
8.5
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Mungindi

increasing

Flood

85/100

Mungindi faces a high risk of flooding due to its location near the Macintyre River and flat topography. 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

60/100

Mungindi has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and agricultural areas. Hotter, drier conditions driven by climate change are likely to increase the risk of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Mungindi experiences high temperatures, particularly during summer. 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

Mungindi is located far inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

stable

Wind

40/100

Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts

stable

Storm

55/100

Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail

stable

Social

30/100

Moderate social stability — mixed urban density

increasing

Energy

50/100

Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Mungindi

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Mungindi experiences high temperatures, particularly during summer. 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
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.4

2050

7.8

Data source

flood Risk

85/100

Mungindi faces a high risk of flooding due to its location near the Macintyre River and flat topography. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Flat topography

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.8

2050

9.2

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Mungindi is located far inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Mungindi has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and agricultural areas. Hotter, drier conditions driven by climate change are likely to increase the risk of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Grassland vegetation

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.3

2050

6.7

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increased risk of flooding and bushfires.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on property value and comfort.
  • 4.Review insurance options and premiums.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Macintyre River
Elevation Range
Relatively flat
Flood Zone
Likely

Mungindi has a history of flooding, with several major flood events recorded in the past. The town's low-lying location makes it particularly susceptible to riverine flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to grasslands and agricultural areas
Planning Overlay
Check with NSW RFS
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area surrounding Mungindi is prone to grassfires, which can spread rapidly under dry and windy conditions. Residents should maintain firebreaks and clear vegetation around their homes.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
36°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Mungindi experiences high temperatures during summer, with average maximum temperatures in January exceeding 35°C. Heatwaves can pose a significant risk to public health.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodMajor

Major flooding of the Macintyre River caused widespread damage in Mungindi.

Source
2011
floodMajor

Another major flood event impacted Mungindi, causing further damage and disruption.

Source
2019
droughtModerate

Prolonged drought conditions impacted agricultural production and water supplies in the Mungindi region.

Source
2023
floodModerate

Moderate flooding along the Macintyre River affected low-lying areas in Mungindi.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood858.8(+0.3)9.2(+0.7)
bushfire606.2(+0.2)6.4(+0.4)
heat707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Mungindi is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, driven primarily by increased flooding and heatwave intensity. Bushfire risk is also expected to rise slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in levees, drainage systems, and flood-resistant building designs to protect homes and businesses from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as clearing vegetation around properties, creating firebreaks, and developing community evacuation plans.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Action Plan

Immediate

Establish a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade Infrastructure

Long-term

Upgrade critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and water supply systems, to withstand the impacts of climate change.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Mungindi's Climate Risk Profile

Mungindi, located in northern New South Wales, is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its proximity to the Macintyre River and the surrounding flat terrain. Climate change projections indicate an increase in heavy rainfall events, which will likely exacerbate the existing flood risk. This poses a threat to homes, businesses, and infrastructure in the area.

Bushfire risk is also a concern, with hotter and drier conditions increasing the likelihood of fires in the surrounding grasslands and agricultural areas. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and maintain their properties to reduce fire hazards.

Heatwaves are another significant threat, with rising average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events expected in the future. This can have serious health impacts, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

While Mungindi is not directly exposed to coastal risks, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased migration, could indirectly affect the community. It is important for residents and local authorities to take proactive steps to adapt to these challenges and build resilience to climate change.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW Emergency Services

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Mungindi?

The main climate change risks in Mungindi are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How can I prepare my home for flooding in Mungindi?

You can prepare your home for flooding by raising electrical outlets, installing flood barriers, and storing valuables in waterproof containers. It's also important to have a flood emergency plan.

What should I do during a heatwave in Mungindi?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

How can I protect my property from bushfires in Mungindi?

You can protect your property from bushfires by clearing vegetation around your home, creating firebreaks, and having a bushfire survival plan. Ensure you have adequate home insurance.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Mungindi?

You can find more information about climate change in Mungindi from the local council, the NSW government, and the CSIRO. Check the provided resource URLs for more details.

Is Mungindi likely to become uninhabitable due to climate change?

While Mungindi faces significant climate challenges, it is unlikely to become uninhabitable in the near future. However, proactive adaptation measures are essential to mitigate the risks and ensure the town's long-term sustainability.

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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