Climate Risk Profile: Murray Gorge, NSW

Murray Gorge, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Murray Gorge faces moderate climate risks, primarily from bushfires, flooding and heatwaves. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change. Residents should take steps to prepare for these hazards.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Murray Gorge

increasing

Flood

40/100

Murray Gorge faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. The risk is expected to increase due to climate change.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Murray Gorge has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland and prevailing dry conditions. Climate change is projected to exacerbate bushfire conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

50/100

Murray Gorge is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Murray Gorge is not exposed to coastal risks.

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 Murray Gorge

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Murray Gorge is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Murray Gorge faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. The risk is expected to increase due to climate change.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Murray Gorge is not exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

bushfire Risk

60/100

Murray Gorge has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland and prevailing dry conditions. Climate change is projected to exacerbate bushfire conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

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

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.Obtain a comprehensive insurance quote.
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Murray River
Elevation Range
50-70m
Flood Zone
Low to Moderate

Historical flood data indicates infrequent but potentially significant flooding events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

The area has a history of bushfires, with several major events in recent decades.

Heat Evidence

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

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase significantly.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
300 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not Applicable
Erosion Risk
Not Applicable

Historical Climate Events

2019
bushfireMajor

A major bushfire impacted the region, causing significant property damage and evacuations.

Source
2016
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding in the Murray River region, affecting homes and businesses.

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)4.6(+0.6)
bushfire606.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)
heat505.6(+0.6)6.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Murray Gorge is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, increased bushfire risk, and a higher likelihood of flooding. These changes will require adaptation measures to protect the community.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a Bushfire Survival Plan

Immediate

Create a detailed plan for evacuating your property in the event of a bushfire, including designated escape routes and emergency contacts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve Home Insulation

Near-term

Upgrade your home's insulation to reduce heat gain during summer and heat loss during winter, improving energy efficiency and comfort.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Install Rainwater Tanks

Near-term

Install rainwater tanks to capture and store rainwater for non-potable uses, reducing reliance on mains water and mitigating flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Support Community Emergency Preparedness Programs

Long-term

Participate in local emergency preparedness programs and volunteer to assist with community response efforts during climate-related disasters.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Murray Gorge's Climate Risk Profile

Murray Gorge is located in a region that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. These hazards can pose significant threats to property, infrastructure, and human health.

Bushfire risk is elevated due to the suburb's proximity to bushland and the increasing frequency of hot, dry conditions. Residents should maintain their properties to reduce fuel loads and have a bushfire survival plan in place.

Flooding is another concern, with potential for both riverine and flash flooding during heavy rainfall events. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall, exacerbating flood risk. It is important to stay informed about flood warnings and have an evacuation plan.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a particular risk to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Residents should take steps to stay cool during heatwaves, such as drinking plenty of water and seeking air-conditioned environments.

Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of individual preparedness and community-level action. This includes investing in infrastructure improvements, implementing land-use planning policies that reduce risk, and promoting community awareness and education.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Murray Gorge?

The main climate change risks for Murray Gorge are bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns.

How can I prepare my home for bushfires?

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

What should I do during a heatwave?

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

Where can I find information about local flood risks?

You can find information about local flood risks on the Example Shire Council website and the NSW State Emergency Service website.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The Example Shire Council has developed a climate strategy that outlines actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable land-use planning policies.

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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