Climate Risk Profile: Stony Chute, NSW

Stony Chute, New South Wales· 2480
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Stony Chute faces increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves due to climate change. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.2
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Stony Chute

increasing

Flood

65/100

Stony Chute is located near waterways and has some low-lying areas, making it susceptible to flooding. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
increasing

Bushfire

42/100

The area around Stony Chute has some bushland, posing a moderate bushfire risk. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Higher temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

Stony Chute is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

Stony Chute is not located near the coast, so coastal risks are minimal.

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 Stony Chute

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Stony Chute is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Stony Chute is located near waterways and has some low-lying areas, making it susceptible to flooding. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
  • ·Low-lying areas

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Stony Chute is not located near the coast, so coastal risks are minimal.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

42/100

The area around Stony Chute has some bushland, posing a moderate bushfire risk. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Higher temperatures
  • ·Proximity to bushland

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.7

2050

5.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades for heat mitigation.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Wilsons River
Elevation Range
Varies, some low-lying areas
Flood Zone
Potentially affected areas near Wilsons River

Local flood studies are available from the Lismore City Council.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to some bushland areas
Planning Overlay
Check NSW RFS website for current bushfire prone areas
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should maintain a defensible space around their homes.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in the region.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodMajor

Severe flooding in the Northern Rivers region, including Stony Chute, caused widespread damage and displacement.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the region caused smoky conditions and some property damage.

Source
2017
floodModerate

Significant flooding impacted the region, affecting Stony Chute.

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)
bushfire424.5(+0.3)4.7(+0.5)
heat707.7(+0.7)8.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Stony Chute is projected to experience a notable increase in flood and heatwave risks. Bushfire risk will also slightly increase. Coastal risks remain minimal.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Construct levees or improve drainage systems to mitigate flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as clearing vegetation and creating firebreaks.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Develop a community heat action plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade Building Standards

Long-term

Incorporate climate resilience measures into building codes, such as flood-resistant materials and energy-efficient designs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Stony Chute's Climate Risk Profile

Stony Chute, NSW, is a rural locality that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns for this area are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall events, and more frequent and severe heatwaves.

The risk of flooding is elevated due to the proximity of waterways and some low-lying areas within the suburb. Climate projections suggest that rainfall intensity will increase, leading to a higher likelihood of flood events. Residents should be aware of local flood warnings and have a plan in place.

Heatwaves are also a significant concern, with average temperatures expected to rise. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. It is important to stay hydrated and seek cooler environments during periods of extreme heat.

While coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's inland location, bushfire risk is a moderate concern due to surrounding bushland. Residents should maintain their properties to reduce fire hazards and stay informed about bushfire warnings.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · Lismore City Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Stony Chute?

The main risks are increased flooding, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and bushfire risk.

How can I prepare my home for flooding?

Consider raising your home, installing flood barriers, and ensuring proper drainage.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay hydrated, seek cooler environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

How can I protect my property from bushfires?

Maintain a defensible space around your home, clear vegetation, and have a bushfire survival plan.

Where can I find more information about local climate change initiatives?

Visit the Lismore City Council website for information on local climate strategies and initiatives.

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