Is Redfern, NSW Climate Safe? 2026 Assessment
Climate Safety Score
5.8/10Moderate climate risk — address-specific
Key Facts
- Climate Safety
- Medium
- Flood
- Redfern faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.
- Bushfire
- Bushfire risk in Redfern is relatively low due to its urban environment and distance from significant bushland areas. However, ember attack from distant fires remains a potential concern.
- Heat
- Redfern is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the problem.
- Storm
- Moderate storm risk — East Coast Lows bring severe weather including hail and damaging winds
- Postcode
- 2016
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 9.6% of land (bushfire)
Climate Safety Analysis
Redfern in New South Wales has an overall climate safety rating of Medium. This multi-hazard assessment combines flood, bushfire, heat, coastal, and storm risk data with climate projections to 2050 from CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.
Key factors affecting Redfern's climate safety include heat, flood. Each hazard is assessed independently and combined for an overall picture. Australia has warmed by approximately 1.5 °C since 1910, with flow-on effects to fire weather, extreme rainfall, and heatwave frequency.
Climate safety for property in Redfern is not uniform — it varies by address. Factors such as elevation, distance to waterways, proximity to bushland, and local drainage all influence actual risk at a specific property. Two nearby properties can have materially different risk profiles.
For a complete property-specific climate safety report for Redfern including address-level hazard mapping, insurance outlook, and adaptation recommendations, use the ClimateNest full analysis tool.
Redfern (postcode 2016) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (9.6% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (7.5% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (7.3% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Redfern — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.
Local Hazard Evidence
Historical Events
Record high temperatures were recorded in January, leading to heat stress and increased demand for cooling.
A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on the electricity grid.
Localized flooding occurred due to intense rainfall, causing minor disruptions to traffic and some property damage.
Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in low-lying areas of Redfern, impacting several businesses and residences.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure
ImmediateInvest in upgrading drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.
Est. cost: High
Implement Urban Greening Initiatives
Near-termIncrease green spaces and tree canopy cover to mitigate the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Develop Heat Action Plan
ImmediateCreate a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and community outreach programs.
Est. cost: Low
Community Awareness Programs
Near-termEducate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures, such as preparing for floods and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Promote Water Sensitive Urban Design
Long-termIncorporate water sensitive urban design principles in new developments to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality.
Est. cost: Medium
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Redfern Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Redfern:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Redfern safe from climate change?
No location in Australia is entirely immune to climate change impacts. Redfern has an overall Medium climate risk rating. Understanding the specific hazards at your property address — not just the suburb average — provides the most reliable risk picture.
Which climate hazard poses the biggest risk in Redfern?
The dominant hazard for Redfern depends on geography and local environment. Proximity to waterways elevates flood risk, while proximity to bushland increases bushfire risk. ClimateNest's multi-hazard analysis identifies the highest-risk hazards for any specific address.
How does Redfern compare to nearby suburbs for climate safety?
Nearby suburbs may have different climate risk profiles depending on elevation, vegetation cover, drainage patterns, and land use. ClimateNest allows comparison of climate safety scores across New South Wales suburbs.
Should I be concerned about buying property in Redfern?
Climate risk should be one factor in your decision, alongside price, location, and amenity. An informed buyer understands the specific risks at a property address and factors insurance costs and climate projections into their assessment of long-term value.
What climate projections should I know for Redfern?
Key projections for New South Wales from CSIRO include increased average temperatures, more frequent hot days, changes in rainfall seasonality, longer fire seasons, and potential increases in extreme rainfall intensity. These trends inform the long-term outlook for Redfern.
What share of Redfern is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 9.6% of Redfern in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 62.2% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.
Is Redfern Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Redfern, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections