Climate Risk Assessment: Tenambit, NSW

Tenambit, New South Wales· Maitland· 2323

Medium Risk

Updated May 2026

Tenambit faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's proximity to the Hunter River makes it vulnerable to flooding, while rising temperatures will exacerbate heat-related health issues. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.5

Bushfire

3.0

Heat

6.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Tenambit

increasing

Flood

65/100

Tenambit is located near the Hunter River and is susceptible to flooding. The risk is expected to increase due to more intense rainfall events.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Riverine flooding

stable

Bushfire

30/100

The bushfire risk in Tenambit is relatively low due to the cleared nature of the suburb, but surrounding bushland poses a threat.

Key drivers:

·Proximity to bushland
·Dry vegetation

increasing

Heat

60/100

Tenambit experiences hot summers, and the number of extreme heat days is projected to increase, posing health risks to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves

stable

Coastal

10/100

Tenambit is not directly exposed to coastal hazards.

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 Tenambit

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

60/100

Tenambit experiences hot summers, and the number of extreme heat days is projected to increase, posing health risks to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Tenambit is located near the Hunter River and is susceptible to flooding. The risk is expected to increase due to more intense rainfall events.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Riverine flooding
·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Tenambit is not directly exposed to coastal hazards.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

bushfire Risk

30/100

The bushfire risk in Tenambit is relatively low due to the cleared nature of the suburb, but surrounding bushland poses a threat.

Primary Drivers

·Proximity to bushland
·Dry vegetation
·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in flood-prone areas.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Consider the potential for increased insurance premiums.
4.Inquire about council plans for climate adaptation.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Hunter River
Elevation Range: 5-15m
Flood Zone: Yes

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Within 1km
Planning Overlay: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/map
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 32°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 5 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 35 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not applicable
Erosion Risk: Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2007

floodModerate

Major flooding of the Hunter River caused widespread inundation in Tenambit and surrounding areas.

Source

2011

floodModerate

Significant flooding impacted Tenambit, leading to evacuations and property damage.

Source

2013

heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source

2022

floodMajor

Severe flooding across the Hunter region impacted Tenambit, causing significant damage and displacement.

Source

Climate 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	30	3.2(+0.2)	3.5(+0.5)
heat	60	6.8(+0.8)	7.2(+1.2)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Tenambit is projected to experience a notable increase in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events. Heatwave frequency and intensity are also expected to rise, posing challenges for public health.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in infrastructure upgrades to mitigate flood risk, such as levees, drainage improvements, and flood-proofing of buildings.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Near-term

Implement a comprehensive heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Conduct regular bushfire risk assessments and implement measures to reduce fuel loads in surrounding areas. Educate residents on bushfire safety and evacuation procedures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce strain on water resources during periods of drought and heat. Implement water-efficient landscaping and promote rainwater harvesting.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Tenambit's Climate Risk Profile

Tenambit, located in the Hunter region of New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The most significant threat is flooding due to its location near the Hunter River. Climate projections indicate that rainfall intensity will increase, leading to more frequent and severe flood events.

Rising temperatures also pose a significant risk to Tenambit. The number of days exceeding 35°C is expected to increase, placing stress on vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect may further amplify these impacts.

While the risk of bushfires is relatively lower compared to other parts of NSW, the surrounding bushland still presents a potential threat, especially during dry periods. Residents should maintain awareness and preparedness during bushfire season.

Coastal hazards are not a direct concern for Tenambit due to its inland location. However, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and economic activity, could indirectly affect the suburb. Adaptation measures are crucial to mitigate these risks and build resilience.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · Maitland City Council

Local Government Resources

Maitland City Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Tenambit?

The main risks are flooding from the Hunter River and increased heatwave frequency and intensity.

How can I prepare my home for flooding?

Consider flood-proofing measures, such as raising electrical outlets and installing a sump pump. Keep sandbags on hand and develop a flood emergency plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on elderly neighbors and family members.

Is my property in a bushfire-prone area?

Check the NSW Rural Fire Service website to determine if your property is located in a designated bushfire-prone area.

What is Maitland Council doing to address climate change?

Maitland Council is developing and implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Visit the council website for more information.

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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

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