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Climate Risk Profile: Sunshine Bay, NSW

Sunshine Bay, New South Wales· Eurobodalla· 2536
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Sunshine Bay is a suburb in New South Wales that faces several climate-related risks. These include flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future.

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 Sunshine Bay

increasing

Flood

65/100

Sunshine Bay has a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Sunshine Bay faces a high risk of bushfires due to the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

45/100

Sunshine Bay experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This could impact vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

50/100

Sunshine Bay is exposed to coastal risks such as sea level rise and erosion. These risks are expected to increase with climate change, potentially impacting coastal infrastructure and properties.

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 Sunshine Bay

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

Sunshine Bay experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This could impact vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Sunshine Bay has a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Sunshine Bay is exposed to coastal risks such as sea level rise and erosion. These risks are expected to increase with climate change, potentially impacting coastal infrastructure and properties.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Sunshine Bay faces a high risk of bushfires due to the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load

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

Property values may be negatively impacted by climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone areas.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to sea level rise.
  • 3.Consider energy efficiency and cooling options.
  • 4.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Clyde River
Elevation Range
0-20 meters
Flood Zone
Yes

Some areas of Sunshine Bay are located within designated flood zones.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent
Planning Overlay
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/bush-fire-prone-land
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

A significant portion of Sunshine Bay is designated as bushfire prone land.

Heat Evidence

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

Average January maximum temperature is increasing.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Moderate
Erosion Risk
Moderate

Historical Climate Events

2020
bushfireMajor

The 2019-2020 bushfires significantly impacted the region, causing widespread damage and evacuations.

Source
2016
floodModerate

Severe storms and flooding caused damage to properties and infrastructure in the area.

Source
2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfires threatened properties in the surrounding area, requiring evacuations.

Source
2011
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall caused minor flooding in low-lying areas.

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)
heat454.6(+0.1)4.8(+0.3)4.7(+0.2)5.0(+0.5)
coastal505.2(+0.2)5.5(+0.5)5.3(+0.3)5.8(+0.8)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Sunshine Bay is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with bushfire risk increasing more significantly than other hazards.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

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

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire management strategies, including fuel reduction and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

Develop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Coastal Protection Measures

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures to address sea level rise and erosion, such as seawalls and beach nourishment.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Near-term

Encourage water conservation practices to reduce water stress during droughts and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Sunshine Bay's Climate Risk Profile

Sunshine Bay, located in New South Wales, is a beautiful coastal suburb that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region is prone to flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise are expected to worsen this risk, potentially impacting homes and infrastructure.

The suburb also faces a significant threat from bushfires, with surrounding bushland creating a high-risk environment. Drier conditions and higher temperatures, driven by climate change, are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires, posing a danger to residents and properties.

Heatwaves are another growing concern for Sunshine Bay. As average temperatures rise, the suburb is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, which can have serious health impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect may further exacerbate this issue.

Finally, Sunshine Bay is exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and erosion. These risks are expected to increase with climate change, potentially impacting coastal infrastructure, properties, and natural ecosystems. Protecting the coastline and adapting to rising sea levels will be crucial for the long-term sustainability of the suburb.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW SES · Eurobodalla Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Eurobodalla Shire Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Sunshine Bay?

Sunshine Bay faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion, all of which are expected to be exacerbated by climate change.

How is the council preparing for climate change?

The Eurobodalla Shire Council is developing and implementing strategies to address climate change, including flood mitigation, bushfire management, and coastal protection measures. Check their website for details.

What can residents do to prepare for bushfires?

Residents can prepare for bushfires by clearing vegetation around their homes, having a bushfire survival plan, and staying informed about fire danger ratings.

How can I protect my property from flooding?

You can protect your property from flooding by elevating structures, installing flood barriers, and ensuring proper drainage.

What resources are available to help me cope with heatwaves?

During heatwaves, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors. The NSW Health website provides information and resources.

Is it safe to buy property in Sunshine Bay given the climate risks?

While Sunshine Bay faces climate risks, understanding and preparing for these risks can help mitigate potential impacts. Consider the property's location relative to flood zones, bushfire prone areas, and the coastline. Review insurance options and factor climate risks into your decision-making process.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Sunshine Bay, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Sunshine Bay →

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