Climate Risk in Warrawidgee, New South Wales

Warrawidgee, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Warrawidgee faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Coastal risks are negligible due to its inland location.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Warrawidgee

increasing

Flood

65/100

Warrawidgee 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
  • ·Riverine flooding
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

The bushfire risk in Warrawidgee is moderate. The area is surrounded by grasslands, which can act as fuel during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

60/100

Warrawidgee is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Warrawidgee is not located near the coast, so the risk from coastal hazards is very low.

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 Warrawidgee

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Warrawidgee is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Warrawidgee 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
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Inadequate drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Warrawidgee is not located near the coast, so the risk from coastal hazards is very low.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The bushfire risk in Warrawidgee is moderate. The area is surrounded by grasslands, which can act as fuel during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be negatively impacted by increased climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Ensure adequate home cooling for heatwaves.
  • 4.Review insurance coverage for climate-related events.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Murrumbidgee River
Elevation Range
50-60m
Flood Zone
Unknown

The Murrumbidgee River poses a flood risk to low-lying areas within Warrawidgee.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent
Planning Overlay
Likely
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Grasslands surrounding Warrawidgee increase the risk of bushfires.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
33.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Warrawidgee experiences several heat stress events each year, particularly during the summer months.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
500 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not Applicable
Erosion Risk
Not Applicable

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodModerate

The Murrumbidgee River experienced moderate flooding, impacting low-lying areas in and around Warrawidgee.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Warrawidgee, with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several days.

Source
2019
droughtMajor

Severe drought conditions impacted the region, affecting agriculture and water resources.

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)
bushfire404.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
heat606.7(+0.7)7.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Warrawidgee is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and heatwave risks.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in improved drainage systems and levees to mitigate flood risks.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as clearing vegetation around properties.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Water Conservation Strategies

Long-term

Promote water conservation strategies to address drought conditions.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Warrawidgee's Climate Risk Profile

Warrawidgee, NSW, is an inland suburb that faces a number of climate-related challenges. The primary concerns are flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. Due to its location, coastal risks are minimal.

Flooding is a significant concern due to the presence of nearby waterways. Increased rainfall intensity, driven by climate change, is expected to exacerbate flood events. This could lead to property damage and disruption of essential services.

Heatwaves are also a growing threat. Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves will put vulnerable populations at risk. The urban heat island effect may further amplify these impacts.

Bushfire risk is moderate, with surrounding grasslands providing potential fuel. Drier conditions and increased temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires. Residents should be prepared for potential evacuations and property damage.

While Warrawidgee is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change will still be felt. It is important for residents and local authorities to take proactive measures to adapt to these changing conditions.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Warrawidgee?

The main climate risks in Warrawidgee are flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. Coastal risks are minimal due to its inland location.

How is climate change expected to impact Warrawidgee?

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of floods, heatwaves, and bushfires in Warrawidgee.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change?

Residents can prepare by improving flood defenses, developing a heat action plan, implementing bushfire mitigation measures, and conserving water.

Where can I find more information about climate risks in Warrawidgee?

You can find more information from the Bureau of Meteorology, CSIRO, and the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Are there any local government initiatives to address climate change in Warrawidgee?

Please contact the local council for information on climate change initiatives in Warrawidgee.

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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