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Climate Risk Profile: Werri Beach, NSW

Werri Beach, New South Wales· Kiama· 2534
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Werri Beach faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and coastal hazards. Rising sea levels and increased rainfall intensity are key drivers of these risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.5
Heat
5.0
Coastal
6.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Werri Beach

increasing

Flood

65/100

Werri Beach faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to Werri Lagoon. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

35/100

The risk of bushfire in Werri Beach is relatively low compared to other areas in NSW, but still present due to nearby vegetation. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Hot temperatures
increasing

Heat

50/100

Werri Beach experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

60/100

Werri Beach is exposed to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges. This poses a threat to coastal infrastructure and properties.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 Werri Beach

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

50/100

Werri Beach experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Werri Beach faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to Werri Lagoon. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

60/100

Werri Beach is exposed to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges. This poses a threat to coastal infrastructure and properties.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

35/100

The risk of bushfire in Werri Beach is relatively low compared to other areas in NSW, but still present due to nearby vegetation. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Hot temperatures
  • ·Strong winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.0

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums are likely to increase due to increased flood and coastal risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal erosion zones.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to bushfire.
  • 3.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise.
  • 4.Review insurance options and premiums.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Werri Lagoon
Elevation Range
0-10m
Flood Zone
Coastal floodplain

Werri Lagoon is prone to flooding during heavy rainfall events, impacting nearby residential areas.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
500m
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas adjacent to bushland are at higher risk of bushfire.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
27.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
2 days

Heatwaves can pose a health risk to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
High
Erosion Risk
Moderate

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Major flooding occurred in the Kiama region, impacting Werri Beach with significant inundation of low-lying areas.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

A bushfire near Gerringong caused smoke haze in Werri Beach, but no direct impact.

Source
2017
stormModerate

A severe storm caused coastal erosion and damage to infrastructure along Werri Beach.

Source
2020
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused Werri Lagoon to overflow, flooding nearby properties.

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)
bushfire353.7(+0.2)3.9(+0.4)
heat505.3(+0.3)5.6(+0.6)
coastal606.6(+0.6)7.2(+1.2)

By 2030, Werri Beach is projected to experience increased flooding and coastal erosion due to rising sea levels and more intense rainfall events. Heatwaves will also become more frequent and severe.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade flood defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect against flooding from Werri Lagoon and coastal inundation.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement coastal protection measures

Near-term

Construct seawalls and other structures to protect against coastal erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a heatwave management plan

Immediate

Implement strategies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Improve bushfire preparedness

Long-term

Clear vegetation around properties and develop a bushfire survival plan.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance community awareness

Immediate

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Werri Beach's Climate Risk Profile

Werri Beach, located on the NSW South Coast, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding from Werri Lagoon and coastal inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges. These risks are projected to worsen in the coming decades as global temperatures continue to rise.

Flooding is a significant concern, with intense rainfall events leading to flash flooding and riverine flooding. The low-lying topography of Werri Beach exacerbates this risk. Sea level rise is also contributing to coastal erosion and inundation, threatening coastal infrastructure and properties.

Bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other regions in NSW, but still present due to nearby vegetation. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk. Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and intense, posing a threat to vulnerable populations.

Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. This includes investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, implementing coastal protection strategies, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Community awareness and preparedness are also crucial for building resilience to climate change impacts.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Local Government Resources

Kiama Municipal Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Werri Beach?

The main risks are flooding from Werri Lagoon, coastal erosion due to sea level rise, and heatwaves.

How will sea level rise affect Werri Beach?

Sea level rise will lead to increased coastal inundation, erosion of beaches, and damage to coastal infrastructure.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

Kiama Council is developing a climate change strategy and investing in flood mitigation infrastructure.

How can I prepare for a flood?

Stay informed about weather warnings, develop a flood plan, and have an emergency kit ready.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay hydrated, stay cool, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Is my property at risk from bushfire?

If your property is near bushland, it is at risk. Clear vegetation and develop a bushfire survival plan.

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 Werri Beach, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Werri Beach →

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