Is Upper Burringbar, NSW Climate Safe? 2026 Assessment
Climate Safety Score
5.2/10Moderate climate risk — address-specific
Key Facts
- Climate Safety
- Medium
- Flood
- Upper Burringbar faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.
- Bushfire
- The area around Upper Burringbar has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
- Heat
- Upper Burringbar is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
- Storm
- Moderate storm risk — East Coast Lows bring severe weather including hail and damaging winds
- Postcode
- 2483
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 13.3% of land (bushfire)
Climate Safety Analysis
Upper Burringbar in New South Wales has an overall climate safety rating of Medium. This multi-hazard assessment combines flood, bushfire, heat, coastal, and storm risk data with climate projections to 2050 from CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.
Key factors affecting Upper Burringbar's climate safety include flood. Each hazard is assessed independently and combined for an overall picture. Australia has warmed by approximately 1.5 °C since 1910, with flow-on effects to fire weather, extreme rainfall, and heatwave frequency.
Climate safety for property in Upper Burringbar is not uniform — it varies by address. Factors such as elevation, distance to waterways, proximity to bushland, and local drainage all influence actual risk at a specific property. Two nearby properties can have materially different risk profiles.
For a complete property-specific climate safety report for Upper Burringbar including address-level hazard mapping, insurance outlook, and adaptation recommendations, use the ClimateNest full analysis tool.
Upper Burringbar (postcode 2483) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (13.3% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (6.7% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (4.9% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Upper Burringbar — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.
Local Hazard Evidence
Historical Events
Record-breaking rainfall led to widespread flooding across the Northern Rivers region, including Upper Burringbar, causing significant damage and displacement.
A prolonged heatwave in January resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.
Bushfires in the region caused smoky conditions and required residents to be prepared for evacuation.
Major flooding occurred in the Tweed River catchment, impacting Upper Burringbar with road closures and property damage.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve Drainage Infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade and expand drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: High
Bushfire Mitigation Measures
ImmediateImplement vegetation management programs, create firebreaks, and educate residents on bushfire preparedness.
Est. cost: Medium
Heatwave Preparedness Plan
Near-termDevelop a community heatwave plan that includes cooling centers, public awareness campaigns, and support for vulnerable populations.
Est. cost: Low
Strengthen Building Codes
Long-termUpdate building codes to require more resilient construction materials and designs that can withstand extreme weather events.
Est. cost: High
Community Education Programs
Near-termConduct workshops and seminars to educate residents about climate change risks and adaptation strategies.
Est. cost: Low
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Upper Burringbar Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Upper Burringbar:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upper Burringbar safe from climate change?
No location in Australia is entirely immune to climate change impacts. Upper Burringbar has an overall Medium climate risk rating. Understanding the specific hazards at your property address — not just the suburb average — provides the most reliable risk picture.
Which climate hazard poses the biggest risk in Upper Burringbar?
The dominant hazard for Upper Burringbar depends on geography and local environment. Proximity to waterways elevates flood risk, while proximity to bushland increases bushfire risk. ClimateNest's multi-hazard analysis identifies the highest-risk hazards for any specific address.
How does Upper Burringbar compare to nearby suburbs for climate safety?
Nearby suburbs may have different climate risk profiles depending on elevation, vegetation cover, drainage patterns, and land use. ClimateNest allows comparison of climate safety scores across New South Wales suburbs.
Should I be concerned about buying property in Upper Burringbar?
Climate risk should be one factor in your decision, alongside price, location, and amenity. An informed buyer understands the specific risks at a property address and factors insurance costs and climate projections into their assessment of long-term value.
What climate projections should I know for Upper Burringbar?
Key projections for New South Wales from CSIRO include increased average temperatures, more frequent hot days, changes in rainfall seasonality, longer fire seasons, and potential increases in extreme rainfall intensity. These trends inform the long-term outlook for Upper Burringbar.
What share of Upper Burringbar is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 13.3% of Upper Burringbar in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 67.6% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.
Is Upper Burringbar Safe from Climate Risk?
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Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections