Climate Risk in Terara, New South Wales

Terara, New South Wales· Shoalhaven· 2540
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Terara, NSW, faces increasing climate risks, particularly from flooding due to its location on the Shoalhaven River floodplain. Bushfire and heatwave risks are also projected to increase, along with coastal hazards due to sea level rise. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
7.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Terara

increasing

Flood

70/100

Terara is located on the floodplain of the Shoalhaven River and is therefore at high risk of flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of flooding events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

Terara has some bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

60/100

Terara is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This will increase the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

50/100

Terara is located near the coast and is therefore at risk of coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks.

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 Terara

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Terara is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This will increase the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

70/100

Terara is located on the floodplain of the Shoalhaven River and is therefore at high risk of flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of flooding events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Riverine flooding

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Terara is located near the coast and is therefore at risk of coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Terara has some bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums are likely to increase due to flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

Potential for decreased property values in high-risk areas.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and prepare a bushfire survival plan.
  • 3.Consider the potential impacts of climate change on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Shoalhaven River
Elevation Range
5-10m
Flood Zone
Yes

Terara is located within a designated flood zone and has a history of flooding events.

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

The area surrounding Terara is classified as bushfire prone land.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
28.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Terara experiences several days above 35°C each summer.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low to Moderate
Erosion Risk
Low

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Major flooding of the Shoalhaven River impacted Terara, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the Shoalhaven region threatened Terara, leading to evacuations and property damage.

Source
2020
floodModerate

Flooding along the Shoalhaven River caused inundation in low-lying areas of Terara.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

Record breaking heatwave across NSW. Terara experienced temperatures well above average.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
bushfire404.3(+0.3)4.6(+0.6)
heat606.7(+0.7)7.2(+1.2)
coastal505.2(+0.2)5.5(+0.5)

By 2030, Terara is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with the most significant impacts stemming from increased heatwave frequency and intensity. Flooding risk will also rise due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in flood levees and drainage systems to protect properties from inundation.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement community bushfire education programs and assist residents with property clearing.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Coastal Management Strategy

Long-term

Develop a long-term coastal management strategy to address the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Terara's Climate Risk Profile

Terara, situated in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's location on the Shoalhaven River floodplain makes it particularly susceptible to flooding, with projections indicating a rise in both the frequency and intensity of flood events. This poses a significant threat to homes, businesses, and infrastructure within the community.

Bushfire risk is also a concern for Terara, as the surrounding vegetation creates a potential fuel load. Climate change is expected to exacerbate bushfire conditions, leading to a higher likelihood of fires and increased difficulty in containing them. Residents need to be aware of bushfire safety measures and prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Heatwaves are another growing threat to Terara, with climate change driving up temperatures and increasing the frequency of extreme heat events. This can have serious health consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Taking steps to stay cool and hydrated during heatwaves is crucial.

Finally, Terara's proximity to the coast means it is also exposed to the risks of sea level rise, coastal erosion, and inundation. These hazards can damage property, disrupt infrastructure, and threaten the natural environment. Long-term planning and adaptation measures are needed to address these challenges and protect the community.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW State Emergency Service · Shoalhaven City Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Terara?

The main climate change risks in Terara are flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards due to sea level rise.

How will climate change affect property values in Terara?

Climate change may lead to decreased property values in high-risk areas of Terara, particularly those prone to flooding or bushfires.

What can I do to prepare for flooding in Terara?

You can prepare for flooding by checking flood maps, purchasing flood insurance, and developing a flood emergency plan.

How can I protect my home from bushfires in Terara?

You can protect your home from bushfires by clearing vegetation around your property, installing fire-resistant materials, and having a bushfire survival plan.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Terara?

You can find more information about climate change in Terara from the Shoalhaven City Council, the NSW State Emergency Service, and the Bureau of Meteorology.

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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