Climate Risk in Raymond Terrace, NSW

Raymond Terrace, New South Wales· Port Stephens· 2324
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Raymond Terrace faces increasing risks from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal inundation due to climate change. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.5/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
7.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
5.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

6.0/10

Raymond Terrace experiences hot summers, and the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are projected to increase. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

7.0/10

Raymond Terrace is prone to flooding due to its location near the Hunter River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels are expected to exacerbate flood risk.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

coastal Risk

5.0/10

Located near the Hunter River estuary, Raymond Terrace faces potential coastal inundation and erosion due to sea level rise. This could impact infrastructure and property values.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

4.0/10

Bushfire risk is moderate in Raymond Terrace, with some areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase bushfire frequency and intensity.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Higher temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase in areas prone to flooding and bushfires.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about past flood or bushfire events.
  • 4.Review insurance options and costs.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Hunter River
Elevation Range
2-10 meters
Flood Zone
Yes

Several areas within Raymond Terrace have a history of flooding during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to some residential areas
Planning Overlay
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties bordering bushland are at higher risk during bushfire season.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase in the coming decades.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
15 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas are susceptible to inundation
Erosion Risk
Moderate

Historical Climate Events

2007
floodModerate

Major flooding of the Hunter River caused widespread damage in Raymond Terrace.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

Bushfires near Raymond Terrace threatened properties and caused evacuations.

Source
2017
stormModerate

Severe storms caused flash flooding and power outages in Raymond Terrace.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions put strain on infrastructure and public health.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood7.07.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
bushfire4.04.3(+0.3)4.6(+0.6)
heat6.06.7(+0.7)7.2(+1.2)
coastal5.05.4(+0.4)5.8(+0.8)

By 2030, Raymond Terrace is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave intensity and flood frequency.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in flood levees, drainage improvements, and early warning systems to reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement stricter building codes in bushfire-prone areas, conduct regular hazard reduction burns, and educate residents on bushfire safety.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Establish cooling centers, provide public education on heatwave safety, and ensure vulnerable populations have access to support during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect Coastal Areas

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Raymond Terrace's Climate Risk Profile

Raymond Terrace, located in the Hunter region of New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's proximity to the Hunter River and its low-lying topography make it particularly susceptible to flooding. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, leading to more frequent and severe flood events.

Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of Raymond Terrace residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect can exacerbate these impacts, making some areas of the suburb even hotter.

Sea level rise is another major concern for Raymond Terrace, potentially leading to coastal inundation and erosion. This could damage infrastructure, property, and natural ecosystems. The suburb's location near the Hunter River estuary makes it particularly vulnerable to these impacts.

Bushfire risk is also present in Raymond Terrace, with some areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires, posing a threat to homes and lives. Residents should take steps to prepare their properties and families for bushfire season.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Raymond Terrace?

The main climate change risks in Raymond Terrace are flooding, heatwaves, bushfires, and coastal inundation.

How is the council preparing for climate change?

Port Stephens Council is developing and implementing climate change adaptation strategies to reduce the risks to the community.

What can I do to protect my property from flooding?

You can raise your home, install flood barriers, and ensure your property is properly drained.

How can I prepare for a heatwave?

Stay hydrated, stay cool, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find more information about bushfire safety?

You can find more information about bushfire safety on the NSW Rural Fire Service website.

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