Climate Risk in Ophir, New South Wales

Ophir, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Ophir, NSW, faces moderate climate risks, primarily from bushfires and floods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events, impacting the community and property values. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather conditions.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
4.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Ophir

increasing

Flood

60/100

Ophir faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and historical rainfall patterns. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, potentially exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Ophir has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures associated with climate change are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

40/100

Ophir experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures expected due to climate change. This could lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Ophir is not located near the coast and therefore has a very low risk associated with coastal hazards.

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 Ophir

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

40/100

Ophir experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures expected due to climate change. This could lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Ophir faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and historical rainfall patterns. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, potentially exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Ophir is not located near the coast and therefore has a very low risk associated with coastal hazards.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Ophir has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures associated with climate change are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Proximity to bushland

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the elevated risk of bushfires and floods.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to climate-related concerns.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
  • 3.Obtain comprehensive insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate projections for the area.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local creeks and streams
Elevation Range
Variable
Flood Zone
Potentially affected areas near waterways

Historical flood data indicates localized flooding during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

The area is designated as bushfire prone, requiring specific building standards for new constructions.

Heat Evidence

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

The number of days exceeding 35°C is expected to increase in the future.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2013
bushfireModerate

A bushfire impacted areas near Ophir, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source
2016
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall led to localized flooding in Ophir, affecting some residential areas.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in high temperatures and heat stress in the community.

Source
2020
bushfireMajor

The Black Summer bushfires had a significant impact on the region, with widespread smoke and elevated fire danger.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
bushfire707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
heat404.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Ophir is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and bushfire risks due to changing rainfall patterns and drier conditions.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems and implement flood barriers to protect properties from increased flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Create and maintain firebreaks, clear vegetation around properties, and develop a bushfire survival plan.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Heatwave Preparedness

Near-term

Install insulation, improve ventilation, and establish cooling centers to mitigate the impacts of heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Long-term

Implement educational programs to raise awareness about climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Ophir's Climate Risk Profile

Ophir, located in New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include heightened bushfire danger due to drier conditions and increased temperatures, as well as a greater likelihood of flooding from more intense rainfall events.

The region's proximity to bushland elevates the bushfire risk, with climate projections indicating a worsening trend. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and maintain their properties accordingly.

Flooding is another significant concern, particularly for properties near waterways. Changes in rainfall patterns are expected to increase the frequency and severity of floods, potentially causing damage to homes and infrastructure.

While coastal risks are minimal due to Ophir's inland location, the community should still be aware of broader climate trends and their potential impacts. Preparing for more extreme weather events is crucial for ensuring the safety and resilience of Ophir.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Ophir?

The primary climate change risks in Ophir are increased bushfire danger due to drier conditions and higher temperatures, as well as a greater likelihood of flooding from more intense rainfall events.

How will climate change affect property values in Ophir?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to climate-related concerns, particularly those vulnerable to bushfires and floods.

What can I do to prepare my property for bushfires?

You can create and maintain firebreaks, clear vegetation around your property, and develop a bushfire survival plan. Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Ophir?

You can find flood maps and information on the NSW Government website or contact the local council for specific details about flood risks in your area.

Get your property's risk report

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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