Climate Risk in North Bondi, NSW

North Bondi, New South Wales· Waverley· 2026
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

North Bondi faces increasing risks from coastal hazards, heatwaves, and flooding due to climate change. Sea level rise and more intense storms threaten coastal properties, while rising temperatures exacerbate heat stress. Residents should prepare for more frequent and severe extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
6.7

Climate Hazard Breakdown for North Bondi

increasing

Flood

65/100

North Bondi faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and coastal inundation. The area's proximity to the coast and low-lying areas contribute to this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
stable

Bushfire

30/100

Bushfire risk in North Bondi is relatively low due to its urban environment and limited vegetation. However, nearby parks and reserves can pose a potential threat during extreme weather conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation
increasing

Heat

70/100

North Bondi experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Increased urban density and limited green spaces exacerbate the heat island effect.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

67/100

North Bondi is highly vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea level rise. The suburb's location directly on the coast makes it susceptible to increased storm surges and inundation.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 North Bondi

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

North Bondi experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Increased urban density and limited green spaces exacerbate the heat island effect.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

North Bondi faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and coastal inundation. The area's proximity to the coast and low-lying areas contribute to this risk.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

67/100

North Bondi is highly vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea level rise. The suburb's location directly on the coast makes it susceptible to increased storm surges and inundation.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.2

2050

7.7

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Bushfire risk in North Bondi is relatively low due to its urban environment and limited vegetation. However, nearby parks and reserves can pose a potential threat during extreme weather conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the rising risk of coastal erosion and flooding.

Price Impact

Properties closer to the coast may experience a decrease in value due to increased climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal erosion risk assessments.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about council plans for coastal protection.
  • 4.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Pacific Ocean
Elevation Range
0-30 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal and riverine flood zones

Several properties in North Bondi are located in areas identified as being at risk of flooding during extreme rainfall events. Council has undertaken studies to model flood behaviour and identify mitigation measures.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Approximately 2km to nearest significant bushland
Planning Overlay
Some areas may be subject to bushfire prone land overlays
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

While the immediate suburb is largely urbanised, areas bordering parks and reserves are considered to have some level of bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
27.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
4 days

North Bondi experiences several days above 30 degrees Celsius during summer, increasing the risk of heat stress for vulnerable residents.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
High exposure to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk

Historical Climate Events

2007
stormModerate

A severe storm caused coastal erosion and damage to beachfront properties in North Bondi.

Source
2013
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall led to flash flooding in low-lying areas of North Bondi, causing damage to homes and businesses.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions due to heat-related illnesses.

Source
2020
stormMinor

A coastal storm caused minor erosion and damage to infrastructure along the North Bondi coastline.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.2(+0.7)
bushfire303.1(+0.1)3.2(+0.2)
heat707.7(+0.7)8.5(+1.5)
coastal677.1(+0.4)7.7(+1.0)

By 2030, North Bondi is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave intensity and frequency, along with a moderate rise in coastal flooding risk due to sea level rise. Bushfire risk remains relatively stable, while overall risk increases slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Coastal Protection Measures

Immediate

Invest in seawalls, beach nourishment, and other coastal protection measures to mitigate erosion and protect properties from sea level rise.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Improved Stormwater Drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage systems to reduce the risk of flash flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Urban Greening Initiatives

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Long-term

Implement community education programs to raise awareness about climate risks and promote preparedness for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About North Bondi's Climate Risk Profile

North Bondi, a coastal suburb in Sydney, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include coastal erosion, sea level rise, increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, and flooding from heavy rainfall events.

Sea level rise poses a significant threat to properties along the coastline. Increased storm surges can lead to inundation and erosion, damaging infrastructure and impacting property values. The suburb's low-lying areas are particularly susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall, which is expected to become more frequent with climate change.

Heatwaves are becoming more common and intense, posing health risks to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The urban heat island effect further exacerbates the impact of heatwaves in densely populated areas.

While bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other parts of NSW, nearby parks and reserves can still pose a threat during dry and windy conditions. It is essential to maintain vegetation around properties and be aware of bushfire safety guidelines.

Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of adaptation and mitigation strategies. This includes investing in coastal protection measures, improving stormwater drainage, increasing green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect, and promoting energy efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · Waverley Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for North Bondi?

The main climate change risks for North Bondi include coastal erosion, sea level rise, increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, and flooding from heavy rainfall events.

How will sea level rise affect properties in North Bondi?

Sea level rise can lead to increased coastal erosion, inundation of low-lying areas, and damage to beachfront properties. It may also impact property values and insurance premiums.

What is the council doing to address climate change risks in North Bondi?

Waverley Council is implementing various measures to address climate change risks, including investing in coastal protection measures, upgrading stormwater drainage systems, and promoting urban greening initiatives.

How can residents prepare for heatwaves in North Bondi?

Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking shade, using air conditioning or fans, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in North Bondi?

You can find more information about flood risks in North Bondi on the Waverley Council website, including flood maps and information about flood preparedness.

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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