Climate Risk in The Devils Wilderness, New South Wales

The Devils Wilderness, New South Wales
High Risk
Updated May 2026

The Devils Wilderness faces significant climate risks, particularly from bushfires and flooding. Increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

72/100
High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
8.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
2.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for The Devils Wilderness

increasing

Flood

65/100

The Devils Wilderness faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
increasing

Bushfire

80/100

The Devils Wilderness is at high risk of bushfires due to its proximity to extensive bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Fuel load
increasing

Heat

60/100

The Devils Wilderness experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected in the future.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

20/100

The Devils Wilderness has a low coastal risk due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast
stable

Wind

40/100

Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts

stable

Storm

55/100

Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail

stable

Social

30/100

Moderate social stability — mixed urban density

increasing

Energy

50/100

Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for The Devils Wilderness

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

The Devils Wilderness experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected in the future.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

The Devils Wilderness faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
  • ·Aging infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

20/100

The Devils Wilderness has a low coastal risk due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

2.0

2050

2.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

80/100

The Devils Wilderness is at high risk of bushfires due to its proximity to extensive bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Fuel load
  • ·Arson

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.5

2050

9.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the high risk of bushfires and flooding.

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 extreme weather events.
  • 3.Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Develop a bushfire survival plan.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local Creeks
Elevation Range
Variable
Flood Zone
Areas near creeks

Historical flood data indicates that properties near the local creeks are most vulnerable.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The entire suburb is designated as a bushfire-prone area.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase in the future.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
150 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
None
Erosion Risk
None

Historical Climate Events

2019
bushfireMajor

A major bushfire threatened the suburb, causing widespread evacuations and property damage.

Source
2020
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in low-lying areas, inundating homes and businesses.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

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

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.1(+0.6)
bushfire808.4(+0.4)8.8(+0.8)
heat606.6(+0.6)7.2(+1.2)
coastal202.02.0

By 2030, The Devils Wilderness is projected to experience a notable increase in overall climate risk, driven primarily by more frequent and intense heatwaves and bushfires. Flooding risk will also increase due to changes in rainfall patterns.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a Bushfire Survival Plan

Immediate

Create a detailed plan for protecting your family and property in the event of a bushfire. This should include evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and a list of essential items to take with you.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve Home Insulation

Near-term

Proper insulation can help to keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing your reliance on air conditioning and heating. This can also help to reduce your energy bills.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Install a Rainwater Tank

Long-term

Collecting rainwater can provide a valuable source of water for gardening, washing cars, and other non-potable uses. This can help to reduce your reliance on mains water and conserve water resources.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Support Local Climate Action Initiatives

Long-term

Get involved in local community groups and initiatives that are working to address climate change. This could include tree planting, community gardens, or advocacy for sustainable policies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About The Devils Wilderness's Climate Risk Profile

The Devils Wilderness, located in New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. The suburb's proximity to extensive bushland makes it particularly susceptible to bushfires, while heavy rainfall events can lead to flooding in low-lying areas.

Climate projections indicate that the region will experience higher average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves in the coming decades. This will not only increase the risk of bushfires but also pose a threat to human health, especially for vulnerable populations. Changes in rainfall patterns are expected to lead to more intense rainfall events, increasing the risk of flooding.

The local council and emergency services are working to mitigate these risks through various adaptation measures, including bushfire prevention programs, flood mitigation infrastructure, and heatwave preparedness plans. However, individual residents also need to take steps to protect themselves and their properties from the impacts of climate change.

Preparing for climate change in The Devils Wilderness involves understanding the specific risks facing the suburb, taking steps to reduce your vulnerability, and staying informed about emergency warnings and advice. By working together, the community can build resilience and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SES NSW · RFS NSW

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing The Devils Wilderness?

The main climate risks facing The Devils Wilderness are bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. The suburb's proximity to bushland makes it particularly vulnerable to bushfires, while heavy rainfall can lead to flooding in low-lying areas. Increasing temperatures are also expected to result in more frequent and intense heatwaves.

How can I prepare my home for a bushfire?

To prepare your home for a bushfire, you should clear vegetation around your property, clean gutters and roofs, install fire-resistant screens on windows and doors, and develop a bushfire survival plan. It is also important to have adequate insurance coverage.

What should I do during a flood?

During a flood, you should move to higher ground, avoid driving or walking through floodwaters, and stay informed about emergency warnings and advice. If your home is flooded, turn off the electricity and gas and do not return until it is safe to do so.

How can I stay cool during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, you should stay indoors in air-conditioned buildings, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members. It is also important to be aware of the signs of heat stress and seek medical attention if necessary.

What is the local council doing to address climate change?

The local council is implementing various measures to address climate change, including developing a climate strategy, investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable transport. The council is also working to protect natural areas and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in The Devils Wilderness, use our analysis tool.

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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