Climate Risk Profile: Para, NSW

Para, New South Wales· Unincorporated NSW
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Para, NSW, faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. The suburb is expected to experience increased rainfall intensity and rising average temperatures, potentially impacting infrastructure and public health. While bushfire and coastal risks are relatively low, proactive adaptation measures are recommended to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
3.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Para

increasing

Flood

60/100

Para faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall, potentially exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

The bushfire risk in Para is relatively low due to the suburb's location and limited surrounding bushland. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could elevate the risk during peak fire seasons.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Para is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures and prolonged periods of extreme heat can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

30/100

Para is not directly exposed to coastal hazards. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast
  • ·Elevation
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 Para

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Para is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures and prolonged periods of extreme heat can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

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

60/100

Para faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall, potentially exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

30/100

Para is not directly exposed to coastal hazards. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast
  • ·Elevation

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.0

2050

3.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The bushfire risk in Para is relatively low due to the suburb's location and limited surrounding bushland. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could elevate the risk during peak fire seasons.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation dryness

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and heat risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heat
  • 3.Consider energy efficiency upgrades
  • 4.Review local council's climate adaptation plans

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local Creeks
Elevation Range
Varies
Flood Zone
Potentially affected areas near creeks

Local creeks may overflow during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Some areas adjacent to bushland
Planning Overlay
Check NSW RFS website
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should maintain firebreaks and be aware of fire danger ratings.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Major flooding event impacted many parts of NSW, including areas near Para, causing property damage and disruptions to transport.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

Bushfires in the region caused smoky conditions and required firefighting efforts near Para.

Source
2017
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall led to flash flooding in some areas, affecting local roads and businesses.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions put strain on local infrastructure and caused health concerns.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood609.0(+3.0)11.0(+5.0)
bushfire405.0(+1.0)6.0(+2.0)
heat7013.0(+6.0)17.0(+10.0)
coastal303.03.0

By 2030, Para is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a moderate rise in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk may also slightly increase. Coastal risks remain low.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Improve drainage systems to handle increased rainfall and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Prevention Measures

Near-term

Implement bushfire prevention measures, such as clearing vegetation and creating firebreaks.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Conduct community awareness programs to educate residents about climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Para's Climate Risk Profile

Para is located in New South Wales and is subject to a changing climate that presents several environmental challenges. The primary concerns for Para include increased flood risk due to more intense rainfall events and rising average temperatures leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves.

The risk of flooding in Para is driven by the potential for heavy rainfall and riverine flooding. Climate change models predict an increase in the intensity of rainfall events, which could overwhelm existing drainage infrastructure and lead to property damage. The local council is responsible for managing flood risks and implementing mitigation strategies.

Heatwaves are another significant concern for Para. As average temperatures rise, the suburb is likely to experience more frequent and prolonged periods of extreme heat. This can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Access to cooling centers and public awareness campaigns are important adaptation measures.

While the risk of bushfires is relatively low compared to other areas in NSW, it is still important to maintain vigilance and implement appropriate fire safety measures. The local fire service is responsible for managing bushfire risks and providing emergency response services.

Coastal risks are minimal for Para due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb. However, it is important to consider the broader impacts of climate change on the region and support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Para?

The main climate change risks for Para are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall events and more frequent and severe heatwaves.

How will climate change affect property values in Para?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions, while properties with good energy efficiency may become more attractive to buyers.

What is the local council doing to address climate change?

The local council is developing climate adaptation plans and implementing measures to reduce flood risk and mitigate the impacts of heatwaves.

How can I prepare my home for more frequent heatwaves?

You can improve your home's energy efficiency by installing insulation, using energy-efficient appliances, and planting trees to provide shade.

What should I do during a flood?

During a flood, you should move to higher ground, avoid driving through floodwaters, and follow the instructions of emergency services.

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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