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PROPERTY ANALYTICS

Climate Risk in Parramatta, New South Wales

Parramatta, New South Wales· City of Parramatta· 2150
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Parramatta faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Its location on the Parramatta River floodplain makes it vulnerable to riverine flooding, while the urban environment exacerbates heat during summer. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these hazards.

Overall Risk Score

5.8/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
7.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
6.5
Coastal
1.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

6.5/10

Parramatta experiences high temperatures during summer, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. The urban heat island effect exacerbates the problem, particularly in densely built-up areas.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.8

Data source

flood Risk

7.5/10

Parramatta is located on the Parramatta River floodplain, making it susceptible to riverine flooding. Intense rainfall events can cause the river to overflow, inundating low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development reducing natural drainage
  • ·Sea level rise impacting river flow

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.0

2050

8.5

Data source

coastal Risk

1.0/10

Parramatta is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion. However, sea level rise can affect the Parramatta River's tidal range.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Changes in tidal patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.2

2050

1.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

3.0/10

While Parramatta is primarily an urban area, it has some interface with bushland, particularly along its western and northern edges. Bushfire risk is present but relatively lower compared to more heavily forested areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to flood risk

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs
  • 2.Assess property's heat resilience
  • 3.Consider bushfire risk if near bushland
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Parramatta River
Elevation Range
5-20 meters
Flood Zone
Yes, various zones along the river

The Parramatta River has a history of flooding, and the council maintains flood maps to identify at-risk areas.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
0-2 km to bushland reserves
Planning Overlay
Some areas have bushfire prone land overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas near bushland reserves are designated as bushfire prone and require specific building standards.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
4 days

Parramatta experiences several days above 35°C each summer, leading to heat stress for vulnerable populations.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
24 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Indirectly affected by tidal changes in the Parramatta River
Erosion Risk
None

Historical Climate Events

1990
floodModerate

Major flooding of the Parramatta River caused widespread damage to homes and businesses.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in Parramatta due to heavy rainfall, impacting local infrastructure and businesses.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in January 2013 resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source
2022
floodMajor

Severe flooding impacted Parramatta, causing significant damage and displacement.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood7.58.0(+0.5)8.5(+1.0)
bushfire3.03.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
heat6.57.3(+0.8)8.0(+1.5)
coastal1.01.2(+0.2)1.5(+0.5)

By 2030, Parramatta is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, as well as increased flood risk due to heavier rainfall events. Bushfire risk will also slightly increase.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in improved drainage systems, levees, and flood barriers to protect properties from riverine flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement Urban Greening

Near-term

Increase tree canopy cover and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Establish a heat action plan with cooling centers, public awareness campaigns, and support for vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Strengthen Building Codes

Long-term

Update building codes to require new buildings to be more resilient to flooding, heat, and bushfire risks.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Near-term

Educate residents about climate risks and how to prepare for extreme weather events, including flood and heatwave preparedness.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Parramatta's Climate Risk Profile

Parramatta, a major commercial and residential hub in Sydney, is increasingly exposed to climate-related risks. The suburb's location on the Parramatta River floodplain makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding, with intense rainfall events capable of causing significant inundation. Climate change is projected to increase rainfall intensity, further elevating flood risk.

Heatwaves are another significant concern for Parramatta. The urban heat island effect, caused by the concentration of buildings and paved surfaces, traps heat and raises temperatures, especially during summer. As climate change drives up average temperatures and increases the frequency of heatwaves, Parramatta's residents will face greater heat stress.

While Parramatta is not directly on the coast, sea level rise can affect the Parramatta River's tidal range and potentially exacerbate flooding. Bushfire risk is present but relatively lower compared to more heavily forested areas.

Addressing these climate risks requires a multi-faceted approach, including improved flood management infrastructure, urban greening initiatives to mitigate the urban heat island effect, and community awareness programs to prepare residents for extreme weather events. Adaptation measures are crucial to protect Parramatta's residents, businesses, and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · City of Parramatta Council

Local Government Resources

City of Parramatta Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Parramatta?

The main climate change risks in Parramatta are flooding from the Parramatta River, heatwaves exacerbated by the urban heat island effect, and potential impacts from sea level rise on the river's tidal range.

How is the City of Parramatta Council addressing climate change?

The City of Parramatta Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, including flood management plans, urban greening initiatives, and community education programs.

What can I do to prepare for flooding in Parramatta?

You can prepare for flooding by checking flood maps, having an emergency plan, securing your property, and staying informed about weather warnings from the SES.

How can I stay cool during heatwaves in Parramatta?

You can stay cool during heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned spaces, avoiding strenuous activity, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Are there any bushfire risks in Parramatta?

While Parramatta is primarily an urban area, some areas near bushland reserves are at risk of bushfires. It's important to be aware of fire danger ratings and have a bushfire survival plan if you live near bushland.

Where can I find information about emergency services in Parramatta?

You can find information about emergency services on the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) website and the City of Parramatta Council website.

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