Climate Risk Profile: Upper Horseshoe Creek, NSW

Upper Horseshoe Creek, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Upper Horseshoe Creek faces increasing risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves due to climate change. The suburb's inland location mitigates coastal risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
4.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Upper Horseshoe Creek

increasing

Flood

60/100

Upper Horseshoe Creek faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

The area around Upper Horseshoe Creek is susceptible to bushfires, particularly during dry periods. Higher temperatures and drier conditions due to climate change are projected to elevate bushfire risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Higher temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

40/100

Upper Horseshoe Creek is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Rising average temperatures pose a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Upper Horseshoe Creek is not directly exposed to coastal risks such as sea level rise and coastal erosion due to its inland location.

Key drivers:

  • ·Inland location
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 Upper Horseshoe Creek

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

40/100

Upper Horseshoe Creek is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Rising average temperatures pose a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Upper Horseshoe Creek faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
  • ·Low-lying areas

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Upper Horseshoe Creek is not directly exposed to coastal risks such as sea level rise and coastal erosion due to its inland location.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Inland location

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

The area around Upper Horseshoe Creek is susceptible to bushfires, particularly during dry periods. Higher temperatures and drier conditions due to climate change are projected to elevate bushfire risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Higher temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Proximity to bushland

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property resilience to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate projections for the area.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Horseshoe Creek
Elevation Range
200-250m
Flood Zone
Potentially affected

Local waterways may overflow during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

The area is designated as bushfire prone, requiring specific building standards.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves can pose a significant risk to vulnerable residents.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused Horseshoe Creek to flood, impacting low-lying areas of Upper Horseshoe Creek.

Source
2019
bushfireMajor

A significant bushfire impacted the region, with smoke and ember attacks affecting Upper Horseshoe Creek.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on local infrastructure.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
bushfire707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
heat404.5(+0.5)5.0(+1.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Upper Horseshoe Creek is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood, bushfire, and heatwave risks. Adaptation measures are recommended to mitigate these impacts.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood barriers to protect properties from increased flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire management strategies, including vegetation clearing and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

Develop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable residents during extreme heat events, including cooling centers and community outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Resilience Building

Long-term

Establish community-based programs to enhance resilience to climate change impacts, including emergency preparedness training and social support networks.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Upper Horseshoe Creek's Climate Risk Profile

Upper Horseshoe Creek, located in New South Wales, is projected to experience a range of climate-related challenges in the coming decades. The primary concerns are increased flooding, heightened bushfire risk, and more frequent heatwaves.

Flooding is a significant concern due to the suburb's proximity to waterways. Climate change models predict more intense rainfall events, which could lead to more frequent and severe flooding. Residents and property owners should be aware of flood risks and take appropriate precautions.

Bushfire risk is also expected to increase. Higher temperatures and drier conditions will create a more conducive environment for bushfires. The surrounding bushland poses a threat, and proactive measures are needed to mitigate the risk.

Heatwaves are another growing concern. As average temperatures rise, Upper Horseshoe Creek will likely experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

While Upper Horseshoe Creek is not directly exposed to coastal risks, the broader impacts of climate change will still be felt. It is crucial for the community to adapt to these changes and implement strategies to enhance resilience.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Upper Horseshoe Creek?

The main risks are increased flooding, heightened bushfire risk, and more frequent heatwaves.

How will climate change affect property values in Upper Horseshoe Creek?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price stagnation or decline due to increased flood and bushfire risks.

What can I do to prepare my home for increased flood risk?

Consider installing flood barriers, improving drainage around your property, and elevating valuable items.

How can I protect my family during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Where can I find more information about bushfire preparedness?

Visit the NSW Rural Fire Service website for information on bushfire safety and preparedness.

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 Upper Horseshoe Creek, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Upper Horseshoe Creek's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

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