๐Ÿ“ฎ Redfern postcode: 2016

Flood Risk in Redfern, NSW: 2026 Assessment

Redfern, New South Walesยท City of Sydneyยท 2016
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.Updated 26 May 2026

Flood Risk Score

6.5/10

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.

Key Facts

Flood Risk
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.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Redfern, NSW
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
2016
Highest high-risk exposure
9.6% of land (bushfire)

Flood Risk Analysis

Redfern, located in New South Wales, has a notable flood risk profile based on available data including proximity to waterways, elevation, and historical flood events. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) maintains river height and flood warning data for catchments across New South Wales.

Historical flood events have impacted properties along low-lying streets. Improved drainage is a key priority.

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.

For a comprehensive property-specific flood assessment including address-level elevation data, flood overlay mapping, and insurance cost estimates, use the ClimateNest full analysis tool. General suburb data cannot replace a site-specific evaluation.

Redfern sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for flood risk. 7.3% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk flood zones and 76.5% in moderate-risk zones, based on the national hazard overlay. Exposure at this scale varies street by street, which is why an address-level check matters before you buy or insure a specific property in Redfern.

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 โ€” 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

Nearest WaterwaySydney Water Channels
Elevation Range5-20m
Flood Zone ClassificationIdentified flood risk areas exist within the suburb.

Historical Events

2011
Minor

Localized flooding occurred due to intense rainfall, causing minor disruptions to traffic and some property damage.

1990
Moderate

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in low-lying areas of Redfern, impacting several businesses and residences.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Immediate

Invest in upgrading drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.

Est. cost: High

Implement Urban Greening Initiatives

Near-term

Increase 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

Immediate

Create a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and community outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Community Awareness Programs

Near-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures, such as preparing for floods and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Promote Water Sensitive Urban Design

Long-term

Incorporate water sensitive urban design principles in new developments to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality.

Est. cost: Medium

Council & Emergency Services

City of Sydney Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 26 May 2026

Explore Redfern Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Redfern at risk of flooding?

Based on available data, Redfern has a notable flood risk profile. Flood risk varies by address โ€” check your specific property for precise flood zone mapping and elevation data with ClimateNest.

What flood insurance costs can I expect in Redfern?

Insurance costs for flood cover in Redfern depend on the property's flood zone classification, elevation, and proximity to waterways. ClimateNest provides address-level insurance cost estimates based on your property's specific hazard exposure.

Does flood risk affect property values in Redfern?

Yes, flood risk can affect property values in Redfern. Properties in mapped flood zones may experience lower buyer demand, reduced valuations, and higher insurance costs. Lenders increasingly assess flood exposure as part of mortgage risk evaluation.

How does elevation affect flood risk in Redfern?

Elevation is a critical factor in flood risk. Properties at higher elevations within Redfern typically have lower flood exposure than those near waterways or in low-lying areas. Address-level elevation data combined with BOM flood mapping provides the most accurate picture.

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 โ€” 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.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

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 ยท Australian addresses only ยท 8 hazard scores ยท Insurance trajectory ยท 2030 & 2050 projections