Climate Risk in Steeple Flat, New South Wales

Steeple Flat, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Steeple Flat faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and bushfires. Heat risk is also a concern, with increasing temperatures projected. Coastal risks are minimal due to its inland location.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
4.5
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Steeple Flat

increasing

Flood

65/100

Steeple Flat faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

The area surrounding Steeple Flat has a high bushfire risk due to the presence of dense vegetation. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

45/100

Steeple Flat experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Steeple Flat is not directly exposed to coastal risks such as sea level rise or coastal erosion due to its inland location.

Key drivers:

  • ·Inland location
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 Steeple Flat

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

45/100

Steeple Flat experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Steeple Flat faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Steeple Flat is not directly exposed to coastal risks such as sea level rise or coastal erosion due to its inland location.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Inland location

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

The area surrounding Steeple Flat has a high bushfire risk due to the presence of dense vegetation. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Strong winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be affected by increasing climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Obtain insurance quotes and understand coverage.
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Unnamed Creek
Elevation Range
200-250m
Flood Zone
Potentially affected

Local creeks and drainage systems may be overwhelmed during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is designated as bushfire prone, requiring specific building standards for new constructions.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves can place a strain on local infrastructure and emergency services.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
150 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not applicable
Erosion Risk
Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Major flooding event impacted the region, causing damage to property and infrastructure.

Source
2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfires threatened the area, requiring evacuations and property protection efforts.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions led to increased demand for emergency services and placed stress on vulnerable populations.

Source
2019
droughtModerate

Extended drought conditions impacted local water supplies and agricultural activities.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood657.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
heat454.8(+0.3)5.0(+0.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Steeple Flat is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and bushfire risks. Heat risk is also expected to rise, while coastal risks remain minimal.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risks, such as improved drainage systems and flood barriers.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire management strategies, including vegetation clearing and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Near-term

Create a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to address drought risks, such as rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation techniques.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Steeple Flat's Climate Risk Profile

Steeple Flat, NSW, is an inland suburb that faces a number of climate-related challenges. The primary concerns are flooding and bushfire risks, which are projected to increase in the coming decades due to climate change.

Flooding is a significant concern due to the presence of waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to both riverine and flash flooding, impacting properties and infrastructure. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity and frequency of these rainfall events, exacerbating the risk.

Bushfire risk is also high, with the surrounding vegetation providing ample fuel for fires. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can quickly spread fires, threatening homes and lives. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfire weather, making the area more vulnerable.

Heat risk is moderate, with average temperatures expected to rise and heatwave events becoming more common. This can impact human health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. While coastal risks are low due to the suburb's inland location, the community should still be aware of the broader impacts of climate change.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Steeple Flat?

The main climate risks are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are projected to increase in the coming decades due to climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Steeple Flat?

Increasing climate risks may negatively impact property values, particularly for properties located in flood-prone or bushfire-prone areas.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the community.

How can I prepare my home for bushfires?

You can prepare your home by clearing vegetation around the property, installing fire-resistant materials, and developing a bushfire survival plan.

Where can I find information about flood risks in my area?

You can find information about flood risks on the council's website or through the NSW State Emergency Service.

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