Climate Risk Profile: Werai, NSW

Werai, New South Wales· Wingecarribee

Medium Risk

Updated May 2026

Werai is a suburb in the Wingecarribee region of New South Wales. It faces moderate risks from flooding and bushfires, which are expected to increase with climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.5

Bushfire

7.0

Heat

4.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Werai

increasing

Flood

65/100

Werai faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Werai has a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding bushland. Dry conditions and strong winds exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Key drivers:

·Dry vegetation
·High temperatures

increasing

Heat

40/100

Werai experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected in the future.

Key drivers:

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Werai is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

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 Werai

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs

Insurance Costs

Premium estimates and insurance availability

Investment Score

Climate-adjusted property investment analysis

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

40/100

Werai experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected in the future.

Primary Drivers

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Werai faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Werai is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

bushfire Risk

70/100

Werai has a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding bushland. Dry conditions and strong winds exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

·Dry vegetation
·High temperatures
·Strong winds
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to the elevated flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
2.Assess property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
3.Obtain insurance quotes and understand coverage.
4.Consider long-term climate change impacts on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Wingecarribee River
Elevation Range: 600-700m
Flood Zone: Areas near the Wingecarribee River are prone to flooding.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Adjacent to Morton National Park
Planning Overlay: RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 26.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 2 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 100 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not applicable
Erosion Risk: Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2013

bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted the region, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source

2016

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas, disrupting transportation.

Source

2019

heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions affected the region, with temperatures exceeding 40°C.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	65	6.8(+0.3)	7.1(+0.6)
bushfire	70	7.4(+0.4)	7.8(+0.8)
heat	40	4.6(+0.6)	5.2(+1.2)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Werai is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, particularly heatwaves and bushfires.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Construct levees and improve drainage systems to mitigate flood risks.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire management strategies, including controlled burns and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

Develop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Resilience Building

Long-term

Establish community support networks and emergency response teams to enhance resilience to climate change impacts.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Werai's Climate Risk Profile

Werai, located in the Wingecarribee Shire, is characterized by its natural bushland and rural setting. The suburb's climate is temperate, but it is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Flooding is a significant concern for Werai, particularly in low-lying areas near waterways. Intense rainfall events can cause flash flooding and riverine flooding, disrupting transportation and damaging property. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events.

Bushfire risk is also high in Werai due to the surrounding bushland. Dry conditions and strong winds create ideal conditions for bushfires to spread rapidly. Residents need to be prepared for bushfire season and take steps to protect their homes.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Werai, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Residents should take precautions to stay cool during hot weather and be aware of the signs of heatstroke.

While Werai is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events, can still affect the region.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW SES · Wingecarribee Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Wingecarribee Shire Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Werai?

The main climate change risks in Werai are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How can I prepare my home for bushfires?

You can prepare your home for bushfires by clearing vegetation around your property, installing fire-resistant materials, and having a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a flood?

During a flood, you should move to higher ground, avoid driving through floodwaters, and follow the instructions of emergency services.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, you should stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities.

Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Werai?

You can find more information about climate change risks in Werai on the Wingecarribee Shire Council website and the NSW State Emergency Service website.