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Climate Risk in Stanwell Tops, NSW

Stanwell Tops, New South Wales· Wollongong· 2508
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Stanwell Tops is a suburb in New South Wales that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are increasing flood, bushfire, heatwave, and coastal risks due to climate change impacts. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
4.5
Coastal
5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Stanwell Tops

increasing

Flood

65/100

Stanwell Tops has a moderate risk of flooding. This risk is primarily due to heavy rainfall events and proximity to local waterways.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Stanwell Tops faces a high risk of bushfires due to its location near bushland and prevailing dry conditions during summer.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
increasing

Heat

45/100

Stanwell Tops experiences a moderate risk from heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures during summer months.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

50/100

Stanwell Tops has a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 Stanwell Tops

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

45/100

Stanwell Tops experiences a moderate risk from heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures during summer months.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Stanwell Tops has a moderate risk of flooding. This risk is primarily due to heavy rainfall events and proximity to local waterways.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Stanwell Tops has a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Stanwell Tops faces a high risk of bushfires due to its location near bushland and prevailing dry conditions during summer.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Strong winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk
  • 3.Review insurance options
  • 4.Consider long-term climate projections

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Stanwell Creek
Elevation Range
Varies from sea level to 300m
Flood Zone
Areas near Stanwell Creek are prone to flooding

Historical flood data indicates that properties near the creek have been affected in the past.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to Royal National Park
Planning Overlay
Bushfire prone area overlay applies
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The RFS has identified areas within Stanwell Tops as high bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
27.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in the region.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas are exposed to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk along the coastline

Historical Climate Events

2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfire near Royal National Park threatened properties in Stanwell Tops.

Source
2015
stormModerate

Severe storm caused flash flooding and damage to infrastructure.

Source
2020
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall caused minor flooding in low-lying areas.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions impacted vulnerable residents.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

HazardToday2030205020302050
flood656.7(+0.2)6.9(+0.4)6.8(+0.3)7.1(+0.6)
bushfire707.4(+0.4)7.7(+0.7)7.6(+0.6)8.0(+1.0)
heat454.8(+0.3)5.0(+0.5)4.9(+0.4)5.3(+0.8)
coastal505.3(+0.3)5.6(+0.6)5.4(+0.4)5.9(+0.9)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Stanwell Tops is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with bushfire risk increasing more significantly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Clear vegetation around properties, develop a bushfire survival plan, and ensure adequate insurance coverage.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance Flood Resilience

Near-term

Elevate homes, install flood barriers, and ensure proper drainage systems.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

Establish cooling centers, provide public awareness campaigns, and ensure access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect Coastal Areas

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, and restrict development in vulnerable areas.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Upgrade Infrastructure

Long-term

Upgrade existing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, including roads, bridges, and power grids.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Stanwell Tops's Climate Risk Profile

Stanwell Tops, located in New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's proximity to both bushland and the coast makes it susceptible to a range of hazards, including bushfires, coastal erosion, and flooding.

Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades. More frequent and intense heatwaves will pose a threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations. Changes in rainfall patterns may lead to increased flooding events.

Coastal erosion and inundation are also significant concerns for Stanwell Tops. Sea level rise and more intense storms could threaten coastal properties and infrastructure. It is crucial for residents and local authorities to take proactive measures to adapt to these changing conditions.

Addressing these challenges will require a combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to slow the pace of climate change. At the local level, measures such as improving building codes, enhancing emergency preparedness, and protecting natural ecosystems can help to reduce the suburb's vulnerability.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW SES · Wollongong City Council

Local Government Resources

Wollongong City Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Stanwell Tops?

Stanwell Tops faces increasing risks from bushfires, floods, heatwaves, and coastal erosion due to climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Stanwell Tops?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions due to increased insurance costs and potential damage from extreme weather events.

What can residents do to prepare for bushfires?

Residents should clear vegetation around their properties, develop a bushfire survival plan, and ensure they have adequate insurance coverage.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

Wollongong City Council has implemented a climate strategy that includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Stanwell Tops?

You can find flood maps and information on the Wollongong City Council website or the NSW State Emergency Service website.

Are there any government grants available for climate adaptation measures?

Government grants may be available for homeowners and businesses to implement climate adaptation measures. Check the NSW Government website for current grant programs.

Get your property's risk report

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Analyse a Property in Stanwell Tops →

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