Climate Risk in Upper Kangaroo River, NSW
Upper Kangaroo River faces significant risks from flooding and bushfires, with increasing heat also posing a threat. The suburb's location near the Kangaroo River and surrounding bushland makes it vulnerable to these hazards, which are expected to worsen with climate change.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Upper Kangaroo River
Flood
Upper Kangaroo River is prone to flooding due to its location near the Kangaroo River. Heavy rainfall events can cause the river to swell, inundating low-lying areas and properties.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine flooding
Bushfire
The area surrounding Upper Kangaroo River has a high bushfire risk due to the presence of dense vegetation and dry conditions during the summer months. Hot, dry winds can quickly spread fires, threatening homes and properties.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Hot and dry summers
Heat
Upper Kangaroo River experiences moderately high temperatures during the summer months. Heatwaves can pose a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Upper Kangaroo River is not directly exposed to coastal hazards. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to this inland suburb.
Key drivers:
- ·Distance from the coast
Wind
Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts
Storm
Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail
Social
Moderate social stability — mixed urban density
Energy
Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Upper Kangaroo River
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Upper Kangaroo River experiences moderately high temperatures during the summer months. Heatwaves can pose a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Climate change
Projections (High Emissions)
2030
6.3
2050
6.7
flood Risk
Upper Kangaroo River is prone to flooding due to its location near the Kangaroo River. Heavy rainfall events can cause the river to swell, inundating low-lying areas and properties.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine flooding
- ·Climate change
Projections (High Emissions)
2030
8.8
2050
9.2
coastal Risk
Upper Kangaroo River is not directly exposed to coastal hazards. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to this inland suburb.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from the coast
Projections (High Emissions)
2030
2.0
2050
2.0
bushfire Risk
The area surrounding Upper Kangaroo River has a high bushfire risk due to the presence of dense vegetation and dry conditions during the summer months. Hot, dry winds can quickly spread fires, threatening homes and properties.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Hot and dry summers
- ·Strong winds
Projections (High Emissions)
2030
7.3
2050
7.6
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Home insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the elevated risk of flooding and bushfires.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value as climate risks become more apparent.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
- 3.Obtain insurance quotes and understand policy coverage.
- 4.Consider the long-term climate risks and potential impacts on property value.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Kangaroo River
- Elevation Range
- 100-200m
- Flood Zone
- Yes
The Kangaroo River has a history of flooding, with several major events recorded in recent decades. Properties close to the river are at the highest risk.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Adjacent
- Planning Overlay
- https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/building-in-a-bush-fire-area/bush-fire-prone-land
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
Much of the area surrounding Upper Kangaroo River is designated as bushfire-prone land. Residents should be aware of the risks and take steps to protect their properties.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 28.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 2 days
The average maximum temperature in January is 28.5°C, and the area experiences an average of 2 heat stress events per year.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 100 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Not Applicable
- Erosion Risk
- Not Applicable
Historical Climate Events
The 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires had a significant impact on the region, with widespread fires and property damage.
SourceHeavy rainfall caused the Kangaroo River to flood, inundating low-lying areas and disrupting transportation.
SourceA bushfire near Upper Kangaroo River threatened homes and properties, requiring firefighting efforts to contain the blaze.
SourceSevere flooding along the Kangaroo River caused widespread damage to infrastructure and properties.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: High Emissions
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 85 | 8.8(+0.3) | 9.1(+0.6) |
| bushfire | 70 | 7.2(+0.2) | 7.4(+0.4) |
| heat | 60 | 6.1(+0.1) | 6.3(+0.3) |
| coastal | 20 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
By 2030, under a high emissions scenario, Upper Kangaroo River is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, driven primarily by increased flooding and bushfire risks.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Improve Flood Defenses
Near-termConstruct levees and drainage systems to protect properties from flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImplement Bushfire Management Plans
ImmediateDevelop and implement bushfire management plans to reduce the risk of bushfires spreading to homes and properties.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreProvide Heatwave Support
Near-termEstablish cooling centers and provide support for vulnerable residents during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreRaise Awareness of Climate Risks
Long-termEducate residents about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Upper Kangaroo River's Climate Risk Profile
Upper Kangaroo River is a rural locality in New South Wales, characterized by its proximity to the Kangaroo River and surrounding natural bushland. This unique setting contributes to both its scenic beauty and its vulnerability to climate-related hazards.
The primary climate risks for Upper Kangaroo River are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. The Kangaroo River can experience significant flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, impacting properties and infrastructure in low-lying areas. The surrounding bushland creates a high bushfire risk, particularly during the dry summer months. Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves also pose a threat to the health and well-being of residents.
Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades. Increased rainfall intensity will likely lead to more frequent and severe flooding events. Hotter and drier conditions will increase the risk of bushfires. Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves will put additional strain on vulnerable populations.
Addressing these climate risks will require a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. Adaptation strategies may include improving flood defenses, implementing bushfire management plans, and providing support for vulnerable residents during heatwaves. Mitigation efforts will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow the pace of climate change.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW SES
Local Government Resources
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Upper Kangaroo River?
The main climate change risks for Upper Kangaroo River are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the coming decades due to climate change.
How can I protect my property from flooding?
You can protect your property from flooding by installing flood barriers, raising the elevation of your home, and ensuring that your property is properly drained.
What should I do during a bushfire?
During a bushfire, you should follow the advice of emergency services. If you are in a high-risk area, you should evacuate to a safe location.
How can I stay safe during a heatwave?
During a heatwave, you should stay indoors in a cool place, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Upper Kangaroo River?
You can find more information about climate change risks in Upper Kangaroo River from the Wingecarribee Shire Council, the NSW State Emergency Service, and the Bureau of Meteorology.
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