Climate Risk Assessment for Tathra, NSW

Tathra, New South Wales· Bega Valley· 2550
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Tathra is a coastal town in New South Wales that faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future, potentially impacting property values and community well-being.

Overall Risk Score

5.8/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
4.0
Coastal
5.5

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

4.0/10

Tathra experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves expected in the future.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

6.5/10

Tathra 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
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

5.5/10

Tathra faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion, which could impact infrastructure and property along the coastline.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.0

2050

6.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

7.0/10

Tathra is located in a bushfire-prone area, with a high risk of bushfires during hot and dry conditions. The surrounding vegetation and prevailing winds contribute to the fire risk.

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 the increasing risks from climate change.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

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

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Bega River
Elevation Range
0-50 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near the Bega River are designated as flood zones.

Historical flood events have impacted properties near the Bega River.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Surrounded by bushland
Planning Overlay
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Tathra is designated as a bushfire-prone area due to the surrounding vegetation.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
26°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
2 days

Average January maximum temperature is based on historical climate data from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying coastal areas are exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk along exposed beaches.

Historical Climate Events

2018
bushfireMajor

The Tathra bushfire destroyed numerous homes and caused widespread damage to the town.

Source
2016
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Tathra, impacting homes and businesses.

Source
2013
stormModerate

A severe storm caused damage to coastal infrastructure and properties in Tathra.

Source
2020
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased heat stress and health concerns for residents.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.57.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire7.07.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
heat4.04.5(+0.5)5.0(+1.0)
coastal5.56.0(+0.5)6.5(+1.0)

By 2030, Tathra is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with higher risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve flood defenses

Near-term

Construct levees and improve drainage systems to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Reduce bushfire fuel load

Immediate

Implement vegetation management programs to reduce the risk of bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a heatwave response plan

Near-term

Establish cooling centers and provide support for vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect coastal areas

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures to reduce erosion and protect infrastructure from sea level rise.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Upgrade building codes

Near-term

Incorporate climate resilience measures into building codes to ensure new buildings are better able to withstand extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Tathra's Climate Risk Profile

Tathra, a picturesque coastal town in New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region is exposed to a range of hazards, including flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion, all of which are projected to worsen in the coming decades.

Flooding is a significant concern for Tathra, with the potential for both riverine and flash flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. The Bega River and other local waterways can overflow, inundating low-lying areas and causing damage to property and infrastructure. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity and frequency of rainfall events, further exacerbating the flood risk.

Bushfires also pose a major threat to Tathra, particularly during the hot and dry summer months. The town is surrounded by bushland, which provides ample fuel for fires to spread rapidly. Climate change is contributing to longer and more intense fire seasons, increasing the likelihood of devastating bushfires.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe in Tathra, posing a risk to human health, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Climate change is driving up average temperatures and increasing the frequency of extreme heat events.

Coastal erosion is another concern for Tathra, with rising sea levels threatening to erode beaches and damage coastal infrastructure. The town's coastline is already experiencing erosion, and climate change is expected to accelerate this process.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW State Emergency Service · NSW Rural Fire Service · Bega Valley Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Tathra?

Tathra faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion, all of which are projected to worsen with climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Tathra?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to the increasing risks from climate change.

What can I do to protect my property from climate change impacts?

Consider implementing measures such as improving flood defenses, reducing bushfire fuel load, and upgrading your home's energy efficiency.

Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Tathra?

You can find more information on the Bega Valley Shire Council website, the NSW State Emergency Service website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.

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

While Tathra faces climate risks, it is still a desirable place to live. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate them. Conduct thorough due diligence and consider the long-term implications of climate change before making a purchase.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Tathra?

The Bega Valley Shire Council is developing and implementing climate change strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Check their website for the latest information.

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