Climate Risk in Newington, NSW

Newington, New South Wales· City of Parramatta· 2127
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Newington faces increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves due to climate change. Its proximity to the Parramatta River also exposes it to potential coastal impacts. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Newington

increasing

Flood

65/100

Newington is located near the Parramatta River and has a history of flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, leading to a higher risk of riverine and flash flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

30/100

Newington has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urban environment and distance from large areas of bushland. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could slightly elevate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

60/100

Newington is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This will increase the risk of heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

50/100

Located near the Parramatta River, Newington faces potential impacts from sea level rise and storm surges. While not directly on the coast, the riverine environment makes it susceptible to tidal influences and increased flooding during coastal events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge
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 Newington

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Newington is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This will increase the risk of heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Newington is located near the Parramatta River and has a history of flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, leading to a higher risk of riverine and flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Located near the Parramatta River, Newington faces potential impacts from sea level rise and storm surges. While not directly on the coast, the riverine environment makes it susceptible to tidal influences and increased flooding during coastal events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge
  • ·Tidal influences

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Newington has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urban environment and distance from large areas of bushland. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could slightly elevate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the rising flood and heatwave risks.

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 the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about council plans for flood mitigation.
  • 4.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Parramatta River
Elevation Range
5-15 meters
Flood Zone
Likely subject to flooding during major rainfall events.

The area has seen increased development, potentially impacting stormwater runoff and increasing flood risk.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
2-3 km to nearest significant bushland.
Planning Overlay
Not significantly affected by bushfire prone area overlays.
Bushfire Prone Area
No

The suburb is primarily urbanized, reducing the immediate bushfire threat.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Urban density contributes to the urban heat island effect, increasing local temperatures.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
15 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Potential for increased tidal influence and storm surge impacts along the Parramatta River.
Erosion Risk
Low

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodModerate

Major flooding occurred in the Parramatta River, impacting low-lying areas of Newington.

Source
2020
heatwaveModerate

Sydney experienced a prolonged heatwave in January, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in western suburbs including Newington.

Source
2016
stormModerate

A severe storm caused flash flooding and property damage in parts of Newington.

Source
2011
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall caused minor flooding in low-lying areas near the Parramatta River.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

HazardToday20302050
flood656.9(+0.4)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire303.1(+0.1)3.3(+0.3)
heat606.5(+0.5)7.5(+1.5)
coastal505.2(+0.2)5.6(+0.6)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Newington is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by increased flooding and heatwave intensity.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in improved drainage infrastructure and levees to protect against increased flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement Urban Greening

Immediate

Increase tree canopy cover and green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Raise Community Awareness

Long-term

Educate residents about climate risks and preparedness measures, including flood and heatwave safety.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Newington's Climate Risk Profile

Newington, a suburb in Sydney's west, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns are rising flood risk due to its location near the Parramatta River, and the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Flooding is a significant threat, with potential for both riverine and flash flooding. Climate change projections indicate heavier rainfall events, exacerbating the risk. Sea level rise will also contribute to higher flood levels during storm surges.

Heatwaves are another major concern. As temperatures rise, Newington's urban environment will amplify the heat island effect, leading to higher temperatures and increased risk of heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.

While bushfire risk is relatively low, it is expected to increase slightly due to drier conditions. Coastal risks are present due to the suburb's proximity to the Parramatta River, which is influenced by tidal activity and storm surges.

Addressing these challenges requires a combination of adaptation measures, including improved flood management infrastructure, urban greening to mitigate the heat island effect, and community awareness programs to prepare residents for extreme weather events.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · City of Parramatta Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Newington?

The main risks are increased flooding due to its proximity to the Parramatta River, and more frequent and intense heatwaves.

How will sea level rise affect Newington?

Sea level rise could increase the risk of flooding during high tides and storm surges along the Parramatta River.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The City of Parramatta has a sustainability strategy that includes measures to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change impacts, including flood mitigation and urban greening initiatives.

How can I prepare for a heatwave in Newington?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, check on vulnerable neighbors, and follow advice from NSW Health.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Newington?

The City of Parramatta provides flood maps and information on its website. You can also contact the council for specific property information.

Is Newington in a bushfire prone area?

While not directly in a high-risk area, residents should still be aware of bushfire safety and have a plan in place, especially during hot and dry periods.

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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