Climate Risk Assessment: Sapphire, NSW

Sapphire, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Sapphire, NSW, faces moderate climate risks. Key concerns include increasing heatwaves, potential for coastal erosion, and bushfire risk. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Sapphire

increasing

Flood

40/100

The area may experience some flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall events. Consider local flood history and drainage when making property decisions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise impacting drainage
stable

Bushfire

60/100

The area has a moderate risk of bushfires due to surrounding vegetation. Be aware of bushfire safety and preparedness measures.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

The area is likely to experience heatwaves and high temperatures, especially during summer. Ensure adequate cooling and hydration during hot weather.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

50/100

Sapphire may experience coastal erosion and inundation due to its proximity to the coast. Sea level rise is a key concern.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
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 Sapphire

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

The area is likely to experience heatwaves and high temperatures, especially during summer. Ensure adequate cooling and hydration during hot weather.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

The area may experience some flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall events. Consider local flood history and drainage when making property decisions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise impacting drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Sapphire may experience coastal erosion and inundation due to its proximity to the coast. Sea level rise is a key concern.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

The area has a moderate risk of bushfires due to surrounding vegetation. Be aware of bushfire safety and preparedness measures.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.0

2050

6.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate risks

Price Impact

Property values may be affected by climate change impacts

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone areas
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves
  • 3.Consider potential impacts of sea level rise
  • 4.Review insurance options and costs

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local creeks and coastal waterways
Elevation Range
Varies, generally low-lying near the coast
Flood Zone
Potentially subject to coastal and riverine flooding

Check local council flood studies for detailed information.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas
Planning Overlay
RFS bushfire prone land overlay may apply
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Consult the NSW Rural Fire Service for specific bushfire risk assessments.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Plan for extended periods of high temperatures during summer.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Potentially exposed to sea level rise impacts
Erosion Risk
Some areas may be at risk of coastal erosion

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Source
2019
bushfireMajor

Bushfires impacted nearby regions, causing smoke haze and potential ember attacks.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions led to increased heat stress and health concerns.

Source
2020
stormMinor

A severe storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to the area.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.3(+0.3)4.6(+0.6)
bushfire606.2(+0.2)6.4(+0.4)
heat707.7(+0.7)8.5(+1.5)
coastal505.4(+0.4)5.8(+0.8)

By 2030, Sapphire is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a slightly elevated risk of coastal flooding and bushfires under a high emissions scenario.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Home Cooling

Near-term

Install energy-efficient air conditioning or fans to cope with increasing heatwaves.

Est. cost: $500 - $5000

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Create a bushfire survival plan and maintain a well-cleared property.

Est. cost: $100 - $500

Learn more

Coastal Protection Measures

Long-term

Support local initiatives to protect coastlines from erosion and sea level rise.

Est. cost: Varies

Learn more

Flood Mitigation

Near-term

Elevate homes or install flood barriers in flood-prone areas.

Est. cost: $1000 - $10000

Learn more

About Sapphire's Climate Risk Profile

Sapphire, located in New South Wales, is exposed to a range of climate-related risks that are projected to intensify in the coming decades. The primary concerns for this area include rising temperatures, increased bushfire risk, coastal erosion, and potential flooding.

Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of residents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable populations. The increased frequency of extreme heat events can also strain local infrastructure and resources.

Bushfire risk is another major concern, with dry vegetation and high temperatures creating favorable conditions for wildfires. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and have evacuation plans in place.

Coastal erosion and inundation are also potential threats due to Sapphire's proximity to the coast. Sea level rise and storm surges can exacerbate these risks, leading to property damage and displacement.

Flooding, while less prominent than other risks, can still occur during heavy rainfall events. It's important to consider local flood history and drainage when making property decisions.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Sapphire?

The main risks include increasing heatwaves, bushfire risk, coastal erosion, and potential flooding.

How will climate change affect property values in Sapphire?

Climate change impacts may affect property values due to increased risks and insurance costs.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Sapphire?

Install air conditioning, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activities during hot weather.

How can I protect my home from bushfires in Sapphire?

Create a bushfire survival plan, clear vegetation around your home, and have a water source available.

What is being done to address coastal erosion in Sapphire?

Local initiatives are underway to protect coastlines from erosion and sea level rise. Contact the local council for more information.

Get your property's risk report

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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