Climate Risk in Parraweena, NSW

Parraweena, New South Wales· Sutherland Shire· 2232
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Parraweena is a suburb in New South Wales that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Residents should prepare for increasing risks in the future.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
4.5
Coastal
5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Parraweena

increasing

Flood

65/100

Parraweena faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Parraweena has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Dry vegetation
increasing

Heat

45/100

Parraweena experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves expected in the future.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

50/100

Parraweena faces a moderate coastal risk due to potential sea level rise and storm surges. Coastal erosion is also a concern.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 Parraweena

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

45/100

Parraweena experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves expected in the future.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Parraweena faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Sea level rise

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Parraweena faces a moderate coastal risk due to potential sea level rise and storm surges. Coastal erosion is also a concern.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Parraweena has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased ignition sources

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 climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone areas.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate risks when making a purchase decision.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Port Hacking
Elevation Range
5-30 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near Port Hacking are susceptible to flooding.

Historical flood data indicates that properties close to the Port Hacking estuary are at higher risk.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to Royal National Park
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The suburb's western border is directly adjacent to significant bushland, increasing bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
29°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Average January maximum temperatures are expected to increase in the coming decades.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas near the coast are vulnerable to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk along the Port Hacking foreshore.

Historical Climate Events

1998
floodModerate

Major flooding event impacted low-lying areas around Port Hacking, causing property damage and road closures.

Source
2001
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the Royal National Park threatened properties in Parraweena, requiring evacuations and property protection measures.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions led to increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source
2020
bushfireMajor

The 2019-2020 bushfires significantly impacted the region, with smoke and ash affecting air quality in Parraweena.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.2(+0.7)
bushfire707.4(+0.4)7.8(+0.8)
heat455.1(+0.6)5.5(+1.0)
coastal505.2(+0.2)5.5(+0.5)

By 2030, Parraweena is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave frequency and intensity, as well as a higher risk of bushfires and flooding.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as vegetation management and community education programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Heatwave action plan

Near-term

Develop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Coastal protection measures

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and storm surges.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Community awareness programs

Near-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Parraweena's Climate Risk Profile

Parraweena, located in the Sutherland Shire of New South Wales, is exposed to a range of climate-related risks. The suburb's proximity to waterways and bushland makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding and bushfires. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, with more intense rainfall events and prolonged periods of hot, dry weather.

Flooding is a significant concern for Parraweena, especially in low-lying areas. Intense rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to flash flooding, causing damage to property and infrastructure. Sea level rise also poses a threat to coastal areas, increasing the risk of inundation during storm surges.

The risk of bushfires is also high in Parraweena, given its location near bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can create ideal conditions for bushfires to spread rapidly. Residents need to be prepared for bushfire season and take steps to protect their homes and families.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Parraweena, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect can further exacerbate the impact of heatwaves, making it essential for residents to stay cool and hydrated during hot weather.

Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort from residents, local government, and emergency services. By taking proactive measures to adapt to climate change, Parraweena can build resilience and protect its community.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · Sutherland Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Parraweena?

The main climate risks in Parraweena are flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How can I prepare for a flood in Parraweena?

You can prepare for a flood by knowing your flood risk, having an emergency plan, and keeping your property protected. Check the Sutherland Shire Council flood maps for more information.

What should I do during a bushfire in Parraweena?

During a bushfire, follow the advice of emergency services. If you are in a high-risk area, evacuate early. Stay informed by monitoring the NSW RFS website and local media.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave in Parraweena?

During a heatwave, stay cool and hydrated. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Parraweena?

Sutherland Shire Council is implementing a range of measures to address climate change, including improving drainage infrastructure, managing bushfire risk, and promoting energy efficiency.

Will climate change affect my property value in Parraweena?

Climate change may affect property values in Parraweena, particularly in areas that are at high risk of flooding, bushfires, or coastal erosion. It's important to consider these risks when buying or selling property.

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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