Climate Risk Assessment: Tarbuck Bay, NSW

Tarbuck Bay, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Tarbuck Bay faces a moderate climate risk profile, with increasing threats from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and consider long-term adaptation strategies.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.2
Heat
7.1
Coastal
5.4

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Tarbuck Bay

increasing

Flood

65/100

Tarbuck Bay faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The risk is exacerbated by the proximity to waterways and low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

42/100

The bushfire risk in Tarbuck Bay is moderate due to the presence of 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

71/100

Tarbuck Bay is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

54/100

Located near the coast, Tarbuck Bay is exposed to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise. This poses a threat to coastal properties and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge
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 Tarbuck Bay

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

71/100

Tarbuck Bay is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.6

2050

8.1

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Tarbuck Bay faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The risk is exacerbated by the proximity to waterways and low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

54/100

Located near the coast, Tarbuck Bay is exposed to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise. This poses a threat to coastal properties and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.9

2050

6.4

Data source

bushfire Risk

42/100

The bushfire risk in Tarbuck Bay is moderate due to the presence of surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation dryness

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.7

2050

5.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the rising risk of extreme weather events.

Price Impact

Climate change impacts may negatively affect property values in vulnerable areas.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal erosion and inundation.
  • 3.Consider the cost of insurance and potential for increased premiums.
  • 4.Evaluate the property's energy efficiency and ability to withstand extreme weather events.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local creeks and coastal inlets
Elevation Range
0-20 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal and riverine flood zones

Historical flood data indicates localized flooding during heavy rainfall events. Improved drainage infrastructure is needed to mitigate future flood risks.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland reserves
Planning Overlay
Bushfire prone area overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area has a history of bushfires, with the most recent major event occurring in 2019. Regular hazard reduction burns are conducted to reduce fuel loads.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades. Urban heat island effects may exacerbate heat stress in built-up areas.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Moderate exposure to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk

Historical Climate Events

2020
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in low-lying areas, resulting in property damage and road closures.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

A bushfire burned through nearby bushland, threatening homes and requiring evacuations.

Source
2017
stormModerate

A severe storm caused widespread damage, including downed trees, power outages, and flash flooding.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in record-breaking temperatures and increased demand for emergency services.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.9(+0.4)7.3(+0.8)
bushfire424.5(+0.3)4.8(+0.6)
heat717.7(+0.6)8.1(+1.0)
coastal546.1(+0.7)6.8(+1.4)

By 2030, Tarbuck Bay is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with the most significant increases in coastal hazards and heatwaves. Flooding and bushfire risks are also expected to increase.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve stormwater drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement coastal protection measures

Long-term

Construct sea walls, restore dunes, and implement other coastal protection measures to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and storm surge.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a heatwave management plan

Immediate

Create a heatwave management plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events. This should include public awareness campaigns, cooling centers, and outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Reduce bushfire fuel loads

Near-term

Conduct regular hazard reduction burns and clear vegetation around buildings to reduce the risk of bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation through public awareness campaigns and incentives to reduce demand on water resources during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Tarbuck Bay's Climate Risk Profile

Tarbuck Bay, located in New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region is expected to experience more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and bushfires.

Rising temperatures pose a significant threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations. Heatwaves are projected to become more common and severe, increasing the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Residents should take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during hot weather.

Changes in rainfall patterns are also expected to increase the risk of flooding. Heavy rainfall events can overwhelm stormwater drainage systems, leading to flash flooding and property damage. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to inundation due to sea level rise and storm surge.

The risk of bushfires is also increasing due to drier conditions and higher temperatures. Residents should be aware of the bushfire risk in their area and take steps to prepare their homes and properties. This includes clearing vegetation around buildings, having a bushfire survival plan, and staying informed about fire danger ratings.

Coastal erosion is another concern for Tarbuck Bay, as sea level rise threatens to erode beaches and coastal infrastructure. Protecting coastal areas will require a combination of hard engineering solutions and soft adaptation measures, such as beach nourishment and dune restoration.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Tarbuck Bay?

Tarbuck Bay faces increasing risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion due to climate change. These risks are projected to worsen in the coming decades.

How will sea level rise affect Tarbuck Bay?

Sea level rise is expected to increase the risk of coastal erosion and inundation in Tarbuck Bay, threatening coastal properties and infrastructure.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Tarbuck Bay?

During heatwaves, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

How can I protect my property from bushfires in Tarbuck Bay?

Clear vegetation around your home, have a bushfire survival plan, and stay informed about fire danger ratings. Consider installing fire-resistant building materials.

Where can I find more information about climate change impacts in Tarbuck Bay?

You can find more information on the council website, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website, and the CSIRO website.

Is Tarbuck Bay a good place to invest in property considering climate change?

While Tarbuck Bay offers many lifestyle benefits, potential investors should carefully consider the increasing climate risks, including potential impacts on property values and insurance costs. Conduct thorough due diligence and assess the long-term resilience of properties to climate hazards.

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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