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Climate Risk in Old Bonalbo, New South Wales

Old Bonalbo, New South Wales· 2469
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Old Bonalbo faces moderate risks from flooding and bushfires, which are expected to increase with climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and take steps to protect their properties.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
5.0
Heat
4.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Old Bonalbo

increasing

Flood

65/100

Old Bonalbo faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
increasing

Bushfire

50/100

The area around Old Bonalbo has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier vegetation
increasing

Heat

40/100

Old Bonalbo is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Old Bonalbo is not directly 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 Old Bonalbo

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs

Insurance Costs

Premium estimates and insurance availability

Investment Score

Climate-adjusted property investment analysis

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

40/100

Old Bonalbo is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Old Bonalbo faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Inadequate drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Old Bonalbo is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

50/100

The area around Old Bonalbo has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Strong winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

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

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 extreme weather events.
  • 3.Obtain insurance quotes and understand coverage details.
  • 4.Consider the long-term climate risks and potential impacts on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Richmond River
Elevation Range
200-250m
Flood Zone
Medium

The Richmond River can cause significant flooding in Old Bonalbo during periods of heavy rainfall.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

The area is designated as bushfire prone, requiring properties to adhere to specific building standards.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves can pose a significant risk to elderly residents and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in the Richmond River catchment, impacting Old Bonalbo.

Source
2019
bushfireMajor

Bushfires impacted the region surrounding Old Bonalbo, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Old Bonalbo, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several days.

Source
2022
floodMajor

Severe flooding in the Richmond River catchment caused widespread damage and displacement in Old Bonalbo.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood657.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire505.3(+0.3)5.7(+0.7)
heat404.7(+0.7)5.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Old Bonalbo is projected to experience a notable increase in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk will also rise due to drier conditions and higher temperatures. Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and severe.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risks, such as levees, improved drainage systems, and flood-resistant building designs.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire management strategies, including controlled burns, vegetation clearing, and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

Develop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations, including establishing cooling centers and providing public health advice.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Resilience Building

Long-term

Promote community resilience through education, training, and the establishment of local emergency response teams.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Old Bonalbo's Climate Risk Profile

Old Bonalbo, located in northern New South Wales, is susceptible to various climate-related risks. The primary concerns are flooding and bushfires, both of which are projected to worsen due to climate change.

Flooding is a significant threat due to the area's proximity to waterways. Increased rainfall intensity is expected to lead to more frequent and severe flood events. Residents should be aware of flood risks and take necessary precautions.

Bushfires also pose a considerable risk, with surrounding bushland creating a potential fire hazard. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires, threatening homes and livelihoods.

Heatwaves are another growing concern, with rising average temperatures and more frequent heat events. This can impact vulnerable populations and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.

While Old Bonalbo is not directly exposed to coastal risks, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased insurance costs, may still affect the community.

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

Local Government Resources

UNKNOWN

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Old Bonalbo?

The main climate risks are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase with climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Old Bonalbo?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to the increased risk of flooding and bushfires.

What can I do to prepare my home for flooding?

Consider installing flood-resistant building materials, elevating appliances, and creating a flood emergency plan.

How can I protect my home from bushfires?

Clear vegetation around your home, install fire-resistant roofing and siding, and have a bushfire survival plan.

Where can I find information about emergency services in Old Bonalbo?

You can find information about emergency services on the NSW Emergency Services website.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Old Bonalbo, use our analysis tool.

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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