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Climate Risk Profile: Peak Hill, NSW

Peak Hill, New South Wales· Parkes· 2869
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Peak Hill is a rural town in New South Wales facing increasing risks from heatwaves and flooding. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather events in the future.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Peak Hill

increasing

Flood

60/100

Peak Hill faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from local rainfall events and the occasional overflow of nearby creeks. The risk is projected to increase slightly due to more intense rainfall events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Local topography
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

The bushfire risk in Peak Hill is moderate due to the presence of surrounding grasslands and bushland. Hot, dry summers contribute to the risk, which is expected to increase with climate change.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Peak Hill experiences high temperatures during summer, posing a significant heat risk to vulnerable populations. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk with more frequent and intense heatwaves.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Peak Hill is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

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 Peak Hill

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs

Insurance Costs

Premium estimates and insurance availability

Investment Score

Climate-adjusted property investment analysis

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Peak Hill experiences high temperatures during summer, posing a significant heat risk to vulnerable populations. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk with more frequent and intense heatwaves.

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

Peak Hill faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from local rainfall events and the occasional overflow of nearby creeks. The risk is projected to increase slightly due to more intense rainfall events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Local topography
  • ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Peak Hill is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The bushfire risk in Peak Hill is moderate due to the presence of surrounding grasslands and bushland. Hot, dry summers contribute to the risk, which is expected to increase with climate change.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load

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

Property values may be affected by increasing climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review bushfire risk and preparedness measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Tributaries of the Bogan River
Elevation Range
280-320m
Flood Zone
Areas adjacent to creeks are prone to flooding.

Local creeks can overflow during heavy rainfall events, impacting low-lying areas.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to grasslands and scattered bushland.
Planning Overlay
Check NSW RFS website for current bushfire prone areas.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is prone to grass fires during hot, dry summers.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
33.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in the region.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in Peak Hill, affecting some residential areas.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Peak Hill, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several days.

Source
2016
floodMinor

Minor flooding occurred in Peak Hill due to heavy rainfall.

Source
2019
droughtModerate

Prolonged drought conditions impacted the region, affecting agriculture and water resources.

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)
bushfire404.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
heat707.7(+0.7)8.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Peak Hill is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a heightened risk of flooding due to more extreme rainfall events. Bushfire risk will also increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

Implement a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including cooling centers and community outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Educate residents on bushfire safety and encourage them to prepare their properties for bushfires.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Install Rainwater Tanks

Long-term

Encourage the installation of rainwater tanks to conserve water and reduce reliance on mains water during droughts.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Peak Hill's Climate Risk Profile

Peak Hill, located in the central west region of New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns for the suburb are rising temperatures, increased frequency of heatwaves, and the potential for more intense rainfall events leading to flooding.

The risk of heatwaves is particularly significant, with average summer temperatures expected to rise further. This poses a threat to the health of vulnerable residents, including the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The local infrastructure may also be strained during prolonged periods of extreme heat.

Flooding is another key concern, as the area is susceptible to flash flooding from local creeks and heavy rainfall. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, potentially overwhelming existing drainage systems and causing damage to property and infrastructure.

While the risk of bushfires is moderate, it should not be ignored. The surrounding grasslands and bushland create a potential fuel load, and hot, dry conditions can increase the likelihood of fires. Residents should take precautions to protect their properties and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Overall, Peak Hill needs to focus on adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This includes improving drainage infrastructure, implementing heatwave management plans, and promoting bushfire preparedness.

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

Local Government Resources

Parkes Shire Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Peak Hill?

The main climate change risks for Peak Hill are increased heatwaves, more intense rainfall leading to flooding, and a moderate risk of bushfires.

How will climate change affect property values in Peak Hill?

Property values in Peak Hill may be affected by increasing climate risks, particularly from flooding and heatwaves. It's important to assess a property's vulnerability to these risks before buying.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Peak Hill?

Parkes Shire Council is developing strategies to address climate change, including improving drainage infrastructure and promoting water conservation. Check the council's website for more information.

How can I prepare my home for heatwaves in Peak Hill?

To prepare your home for heatwaves, ensure you have adequate insulation, air conditioning or fans, and stay hydrated. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members during heatwaves.

What should I do during a flood in Peak Hill?

During a flood, stay informed about warnings and evacuation orders. Move to higher ground if necessary, and avoid driving through floodwaters. Contact the SES for assistance.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Peak Hill, use our analysis tool.

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