Climate Risk in Oolong, NSW

Oolong, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Oolong, NSW, faces moderate risks from flooding and high risks from bushfires and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly in the coming decades. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Oolong

increasing

Flood

40/100

Oolong faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. Local topography and drainage capacity influence the severity of impacts.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

The bushfire risk in Oolong is relatively high due to the proximity of bushland and prevailing weather conditions. Dry vegetation and strong winds can exacerbate fire danger.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

Oolong experiences a high risk of heatwaves and extreme heat events, particularly during the summer months. Vulnerable populations are at increased risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Oolong has a low risk of coastal hazards due to its inland location. Sea-level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast
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 Oolong

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Oolong experiences a high risk of heatwaves and extreme heat events, particularly during the summer months. Vulnerable populations are at increased risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Oolong faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. Local topography and drainage capacity influence the severity of impacts.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Oolong has a low risk of coastal hazards due to its inland location. Sea-level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

The bushfire risk in Oolong is relatively high due to the proximity of bushland and prevailing weather conditions. Dry vegetation and strong winds can exacerbate fire danger.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Strong winds
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to climate risks

Price Impact

Potential for decreased property values in high-risk areas

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk
  • 3.Consider heatwave resilience
  • 4.Review insurance options

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local creeks and drainage systems
Elevation Range
Varies across the suburb
Flood Zone
Potentially affected areas near waterways

Check local council flood maps for specific property risks.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas
Planning Overlay
RFS bushfire prone area map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Prepare a bushfire survival plan and maintain your property.

Heat Evidence

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

Stay hydrated and seek air-conditioned environments during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
150 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not applicable
Erosion Risk
Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in the region due to heavy rainfall, impacting local infrastructure and properties.

Source
2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfires threatened the outskirts of the suburb, requiring emergency services intervention.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on local resources.

Source
2019
bushfireMajor

Widespread bushfires impacted the region, causing significant property damage and environmental harm.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.5(+0.5)5.0(+1.0)
bushfire606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
heat707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Oolong is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood, bushfire, and heatwave risks.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood-proofing measures for properties in high-risk areas.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Create and maintain firebreaks, develop bushfire survival plans, and participate in community fire safety programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Heatwave Management

Near-term

Establish cooling centers, provide public education on heatwave safety, and ensure access to air-conditioned environments for vulnerable populations.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Water Conservation

Long-term

Implement water-saving measures in homes and businesses, and promote responsible water usage to mitigate the impacts of drought.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Oolong's Climate Risk Profile

Oolong is a suburb in New South Wales that is exposed to a range of climate-related risks. The primary concerns are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. The risk of flooding is driven by increased rainfall intensity and potential changes in local drainage patterns. Bushfire risk is elevated due to the proximity of bushland and the potential for dry vegetation to ignite easily.

Heatwaves pose a significant threat to vulnerable populations, especially during the summer months. The urban heat island effect can further exacerbate temperatures in built-up areas. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, making it essential to implement adaptation measures.

While coastal risks are minimal due to Oolong's inland location, the suburb is not immune to the broader impacts of climate change. Changes in rainfall patterns and temperature can affect water resources, agriculture, and overall ecosystem health.

Addressing these climate risks requires a multi-faceted approach that includes mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation strategies to build resilience. Local residents, businesses, and government agencies all have a role to play in creating a more sustainable and climate-resilient community.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Oolong?

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

How can I prepare for a bushfire in Oolong?

Prepare a bushfire survival plan, maintain your property, and stay informed about fire danger ratings.

What should I do during a heatwave in Oolong?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Oolong?

Check the local council flood maps and the NSW Government's flood information resources.

How is the local council addressing climate change in Oolong?

The local council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to build resilience to climate risks. Please check the council website for more information.

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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