Climate Risk in Nowra, NSW
Nowra faces significant climate risks, particularly from flooding and bushfires. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events. Residents and businesses should take steps to prepare for these challenges.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Nowra is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.4
2050
8.0
flood Risk
Nowra is highly susceptible to flooding due to its location on the Shoalhaven River floodplain. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Riverine flooding
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
8.8
2050
9.2
coastal Risk
While Nowra is not directly on the coast, it is still impacted by coastal processes such as sea level rise and storm surges, particularly along the Shoalhaven River.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
6.8
2050
7.2
bushfire Risk
Areas surrounding Nowra are prone to bushfires, particularly during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the length and severity of the bushfire season.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Increased fuel load
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.2
2050
7.8
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase in Nowra due to the increasing risk of flooding and bushfires.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value as climate risks become more apparent.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
- 3.Obtain insurance quotes and understand policy exclusions.
- 4.Consider the long-term climate risks when making a purchase decision.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Shoalhaven River
- Elevation Range
- 5-20 meters
- Flood Zone
- Significant portions of Nowra are within the 1% AEP (Annual Exceedance Probability) flood zone.
The Shoalhaven River has a history of major flooding events, and the floodplain is densely populated with residential and commercial properties.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Immediately adjacent to bushland reserves.
- Planning Overlay
- https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/bush-fire-prone-land
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
Many properties in Nowra are located in designated bushfire-prone areas, requiring specific building standards and vegetation management practices.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 27.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 3 days
Nowra experiences several days above 35°C each summer, increasing the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 10 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Low-lying areas along the Shoalhaven River are vulnerable to sea level rise.
- Erosion Risk
- Minimal direct coastal erosion risk, but riverbank erosion is a concern.
Historical Climate Events
Major flooding along the Shoalhaven River caused widespread damage to homes and businesses in Nowra.
SourceThe Black Summer bushfires caused significant damage to surrounding areas, with Nowra experiencing hazardous air quality and evacuations.
SourceSignificant flooding along the Shoalhaven River impacted Nowra, causing road closures and property damage.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 8.5 | 8.8(+0.3) | 9.2(+0.7) |
| bushfire | 6.8 | 7.0(+0.2) | 7.3(+0.5) |
| heat | 7.0 | 7.1(+0.1) | 7.3(+0.3) |
| coastal | 6.5 | 6.6(+0.1) | 6.7(+0.2) |
By 2030, Nowra is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with flooding and bushfire risks increasing most significantly. Heatwaves are also expected to become more frequent and intense.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Improve flood defenses
ImmediateInvest in flood levees, drainage improvements, and early warning systems to reduce the impact of flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreStrengthen bushfire preparedness
ImmediateImplement stricter building codes for bushfire-prone areas, improve vegetation management, and provide community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreDevelop a heatwave management plan
Near-termEstablish cooling centers, provide public health advice, and ensure vulnerable populations have access to support during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn morePlan for sea level rise
Long-termAssess the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure and develop adaptation strategies to protect against sea level rise and storm surges.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreAbout Nowra's Climate Risk Profile
Nowra, located in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The town's location on the Shoalhaven River floodplain makes it particularly susceptible to flooding, which is expected to worsen with increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise.
Bushfire risk is also a major concern for Nowra, with surrounding bushland creating a significant fire hazard. Climate change is projected to lengthen the bushfire season and increase the frequency of extreme fire weather days. Residents need to be prepared for potential evacuations and property damage.
Heatwaves are another growing threat, with Nowra expected to experience more frequent and intense periods of extreme heat. This poses a particular risk to elderly residents, young children, and people with chronic health conditions.
While not directly on the coast, Nowra is still indirectly affected by coastal processes such as sea level rise and storm surges, which can impact the Shoalhaven River and surrounding areas. Planning for these impacts is essential to protect infrastructure and property.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · Shoalhaven City Council
Local Government Resources
Shoalhaven City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Nowra?
The main climate change risks in Nowra are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Sea level rise also poses a threat to low-lying areas along the Shoalhaven River.
How is Shoalhaven City Council addressing climate change?
Shoalhaven City Council is developing and implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including flood mitigation and bushfire preparedness programs.
What can I do to prepare for flooding in Nowra?
You can prepare for flooding by checking flood maps, developing a flood plan, purchasing flood insurance, and keeping emergency supplies on hand.
How can I protect my home from bushfires in Nowra?
You can protect your home from bushfires by clearing vegetation around your property, installing fire-resistant building materials, and having a bushfire survival plan.
Where can I find information about emergency services in Nowra?
You can find information about emergency services in Nowra on the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) website and the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) website.
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