Climate Risk Profile: Theresa Park, NSW

Theresa Park, New South Wales· Penrith· 2758
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Theresa Park faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with increasing trends due to climate change. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Coastal risk is negligible.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Theresa Park

increasing

Flood

65/100

Theresa Park faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Hawkesbury River and local creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development increasing runoff
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

Bushfire risk in Theresa Park is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased fuel load
increasing

Heat

50/100

Theresa Park experiences moderately high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heat events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risk is negligible in Theresa Park due to its distance from the coast.

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 Theresa Park

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Theresa Park experiences moderately high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heat events.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Theresa Park faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Hawkesbury River and local creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development increasing runoff
  • ·Climate change impacts on river levels

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risk is negligible in Theresa Park due to its distance from the coast.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Bushfire risk in Theresa Park is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience some price impact.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Consider energy efficiency and cooling options for heatwaves.
  • 4.Review insurance coverage for flood and bushfire damage.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Hawkesbury River
Elevation Range
20-40m
Flood Zone
Areas near the Hawkesbury River are designated as flood zones.

Historical flood data indicates that Theresa Park has experienced several significant flood events in the past.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Some properties border bushland reserves.
Planning Overlay
Check NSW RFS website for bushfire prone area overlay.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should maintain fire breaks and clear vegetation around their homes.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Elderly residents and those with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

1990
floodModerate

The Hawkesbury River experienced moderate flooding, impacting low-lying areas of Theresa Park.

Source
2001
bushfireMinor

A minor bushfire occurred near Theresa Park, requiring fire crews to contain the blaze.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Significant rainfall caused flash flooding in some parts of Theresa Park.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected the region, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several days.

Source
2022
floodMajor

Major flooding along the Hawkesbury River impacted Theresa Park, causing widespread damage and evacuations.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood657.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire404.2(+0.2)4.5(+0.5)
heat505.4(+0.4)5.9(+0.9)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Theresa Park is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by increased flood and heatwave risks. Bushfire risk is also expected to rise marginally.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in flood levees and drainage systems to protect properties from riverine and flash flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as clearing vegetation and creating fire breaks around properties.

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

Upgrade Building Codes

Long-term

Incorporate climate resilience measures into building codes, such as flood-resistant construction and energy-efficient design.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Near-term

Conduct community awareness programs to educate residents about climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Theresa Park's Climate Risk Profile

Theresa Park, located in the Penrith region of New South Wales, is susceptible to several climate-related risks. The primary concern is flooding, due to its proximity to the Hawkesbury River and local creeks. Intense rainfall events can cause significant riverine and flash flooding, impacting properties and infrastructure. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, with increased rainfall intensity and rising river levels.

Bushfire risk is also a factor, particularly for properties bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can create a high fire danger. Residents should be prepared for potential bushfire events and maintain their properties accordingly.

Heatwaves are another growing concern, with Theresa Park experiencing high temperatures during summer. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing health risks to vulnerable populations.

While coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's inland location, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and economic activity, could indirectly affect Theresa Park. Residents should stay informed about climate projections and take steps to adapt to these changing conditions.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Theresa Park?

The main climate risks in Theresa Park are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Flooding is a concern due to the suburb's proximity to the Hawkesbury River, while bushfires are a risk for properties bordering bushland. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

How can I prepare my property for flooding?

To prepare your property for flooding, you can install flood barriers, raise electrical outlets, and store valuables in a safe location. It's also important to have an evacuation plan in place.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable individuals.

How can I reduce my bushfire risk?

To reduce your bushfire risk, clear vegetation around your home, maintain fire breaks, and have a bushfire survival plan in place. Ensure that your home is well-insured.

Where can I find more information about climate change impacts in Theresa Park?

You can find more information about climate change impacts in Theresa Park on the Penrith City Council website, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage website, and the CSIRO website.

Is Theresa Park a good place to invest in property considering climate change?

Theresa Park presents both opportunities and challenges for property investment given climate change. While the area is desirable, potential buyers should carefully consider the risks of flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, and factor in potential adaptation costs. Properties located further from flood zones and with adequate bushfire protection may be more resilient and retain their value better in the long term.

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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