Climate Risk Assessment: Tarrawanna, NSW
Tarrawanna faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and bushfires. Increasing temperatures and potential coastal impacts also pose challenges. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Tarrawanna
Flood
Tarrawanna faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to creeks and drainage systems. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development reducing permeable surfaces
Bushfire
The suburb has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland areas. Dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Heat
Tarrawanna experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
While not directly on the coast, Tarrawanna is indirectly affected by coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges impacting nearby coastal communities.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
Wind
Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts
Storm
Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail
Social
Moderate social stability — mixed urban density
Energy
Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Tarrawanna
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Tarrawanna experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
5.0
2050
5.5
flood Risk
Tarrawanna faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to creeks and drainage systems. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development reducing permeable surfaces
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.0
2050
7.5
coastal Risk
While not directly on the coast, Tarrawanna is indirectly affected by coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges impacting nearby coastal communities.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
5.5
2050
6.0
bushfire Risk
The suburb has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland areas. Dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Fuel load accumulation
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.5
2050
8.0
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience slower price growth.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
- 3.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.
- 4.Consider long-term climate projections for the area.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Mullet Creek
- Elevation Range
- Varies from 20m to 150m
- Flood Zone
- Areas near Mullet Creek are prone to flooding.
Historical flood events have impacted properties near the creek. Council is undertaking drainage improvement projects.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Adjacent to Illawarra Escarpment
- Planning Overlay
- RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
Properties on the western edge of Tarrawanna are at higher risk. Regular property maintenance is crucial.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 27.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 3 days
Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves. Cooling centers are available in Wollongong.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 5 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Indirectly exposed through impacts on Wollongong infrastructure.
- Erosion Risk
- Low direct erosion risk.
Historical Climate Events
Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in Tarrawanna, impacting several homes and businesses. Mullet Creek overflowed its banks.
SourceA bushfire near the Illawarra Escarpment threatened properties in Tarrawanna. Firefighters successfully contained the blaze.
SourceA severe storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to Tarrawanna, causing power outages and property damage.
SourceProlonged heatwave conditions impacted vulnerable residents, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several days.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 65 | 7.0(+0.5) | 7.5(+1.0) |
| bushfire | 70 | 7.5(+0.5) | 8.0(+1.0) |
| heat | 45 | 4.8(+0.3) | 5.0(+0.5) |
| coastal | 50 | 5.2(+0.2) | 5.5(+0.5) |
By 2030, Tarrawanna is projected to experience increased flood and bushfire risk due to more intense rainfall events and drier conditions. Heatwaves will become more frequent and severe.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Improve Drainage Infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreBushfire Risk Mitigation
ImmediateImplement vegetation management programs and promote property maintenance to reduce bushfire fuel loads.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreHeatwave Preparedness
Near-termDevelop a heatwave response plan and establish cooling centers to protect vulnerable residents.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreCoastal Hazard Adaptation
Long-termMonitor sea level rise and develop strategies to protect coastal infrastructure and communities.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreAbout Tarrawanna's Climate Risk Profile
Tarrawanna, located in the Wollongong region of New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding due to intense rainfall and its proximity to creeks, and bushfires due to its location near bushland areas. Rising temperatures and indirect coastal impacts also contribute to the overall risk profile.
Flooding is a significant concern, with potential for flash flooding during heavy rainfall events. Urban development and reduced permeable surfaces exacerbate this risk. Bushfire risk is elevated due to dry conditions, strong winds, and the accumulation of fuel loads in surrounding bushland.
Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a threat to vulnerable populations. While not directly on the coast, Tarrawanna is indirectly affected by sea level rise and storm surges impacting nearby coastal communities, potentially disrupting supply chains and infrastructure.
Climate projections indicate that these risks will intensify in the coming decades. Residents and property owners should take proactive measures to mitigate these risks and adapt to the changing climate. This includes preparing for extreme weather events, maintaining properties to reduce bushfire risk, and supporting local government initiatives to improve resilience.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · Wollongong City Council
Local Government Resources
Wollongong City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Tarrawanna?
The main risks are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Coastal impacts are also a concern due to the suburb's proximity to the coast.
How can I prepare my property for flooding?
Ensure your property has adequate drainage, clear gutters and downpipes, and consider installing flood barriers if necessary.
What should I do during a bushfire?
Follow the advice of emergency services, evacuate if necessary, and have a bushfire survival plan in place.
How can I stay safe during a heatwave?
Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and seek refuge in air-conditioned spaces if possible.
Where can I find more information about climate change impacts in Wollongong?
Visit the Wollongong City Council website or the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website for more information.
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