Climate Risk in Wilsons Creek, NSW

Wilsons Creek, New South Wales

High Risk

Updated May 2026

Wilsons Creek faces significant climate risks, particularly from flooding and bushfires. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

72/100

High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

8.5

Bushfire

6.8

Heat

6.2

Coastal

2.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Wilsons Creek

increasing

Flood

85/100

Wilsons Creek is highly susceptible to flooding due to its location in a valley and proximity to Wilsons River. Intense rainfall events can cause the river to overflow, inundating low-lying areas and impacting properties.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Changes in land use

increasing

Bushfire

68/100

The area surrounding Wilsons Creek has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of dense vegetation and dry conditions during the summer months. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions

increasing

Heat

62/100

Wilsons Creek experiences moderately high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heat events, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves

stable

Coastal

20/100

Wilsons Creek is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Key drivers:

·Distance from coast
·Elevation

stable

Wind

40/100

Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts

stable

Storm

55/100

Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail

stable

Social

30/100

Moderate social stability — mixed urban density

increasing

Energy

50/100

Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Wilsons Creek

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

Insurance Costs

Premium estimates and insurance availability

Investment Score

Climate-adjusted property investment analysis

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

62/100

Wilsons Creek experiences moderately high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heat events, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.6

2050

7.1

flood Risk

85/100

Wilsons Creek is highly susceptible to flooding due to its location in a valley and proximity to Wilsons River. Intense rainfall events can cause the river to overflow, inundating low-lying areas and impacting properties.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Changes in land use
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.8

2050

9.2

coastal Risk

20/100

Wilsons Creek is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

·Distance from coast
·Elevation

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

2.1

2050

2.2

bushfire Risk

68/100

The area surrounding Wilsons Creek has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of dense vegetation and dry conditions during the summer months. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions
·Fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.2

2050

7.8

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the high flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
3.Consider the potential impact of climate change on property value.
4.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Wilsons River
Elevation Range: 50-150 meters
Flood Zone: Yes

Bushfire Evidence

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

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 28.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 3 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 15 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Low
Erosion Risk: Low

Historical Climate Events

2022

floodMajor

Severe flooding of Wilsons River caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.

2019

bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the surrounding area threatened properties and caused air quality issues.

2017

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall led to localized flooding and road closures.

2013

heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions put strain on local resources and infrastructure.

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	85	8.8(+0.3)	9.2(+0.7)
bushfire	68	7.2(+0.4)	7.6(+0.8)
heat	62	6.4(+0.2)	6.7(+0.5)
coastal	20	2.1(+0.1)	2.2(+0.2)

By 2030, Wilsons Creek is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, particularly flooding and bushfires. Rising temperatures will also contribute to more frequent and severe heatwaves.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees, drainage improvements, and flood-proofing of buildings.

Est. cost: High

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire management strategies, including fuel reduction, community education, and improved fire response capabilities.

Est. cost: Medium

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Near-term

Create a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including cooling centers, public awareness campaigns, and outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce strain on water resources during periods of drought and heat.

Est. cost: Low

About Wilsons Creek's Climate Risk Profile

Wilsons Creek, nestled in the Byron Shire of New South Wales, is a picturesque community known for its lush rainforests and natural beauty. However, its location also makes it vulnerable to a range of climate-related hazards.

The primary concern for Wilsons Creek is flooding. The suburb is situated in a valley near Wilsons River, which is prone to overflowing during periods of heavy rainfall. This can lead to significant property damage and disruption to daily life.

Bushfire risk is also a factor, with the surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry and windy conditions. The risk is projected to increase with climate change, as hotter temperatures and drier conditions become more common.

Heatwaves are another growing concern, particularly for vulnerable residents such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves are expected to increase in the coming years.

While coastal hazards are less of a direct threat due to the suburb's inland location, the broader impacts of climate change on the region, such as disruptions to agriculture and tourism, could still have significant consequences for Wilsons Creek.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · Byron Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Byron Shire Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Wilsons Creek?

The main climate risks are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase with climate change.

How can I prepare my property for flooding?

Consider flood-proofing measures, such as raising electrical outlets and installing flood barriers. Keep gutters and drains clear.

What should I do during a bushfire?

Follow the advice of emergency services. If you are in a high-risk area, have a bushfire survival plan and be prepared to evacuate.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave?

Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and seek out air-conditioned environments.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

Byron Shire Council has a climate strategy that outlines actions to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

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 Wilsons Creek, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Wilsons Creek →

Other Suburbs in New South Wales

Aarons Pass72 Abbotsbury—Abbotsbury52 Abbotsford—Abbotsford55 Abercrombie—View all New South Wales suburbs →

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Wilsons 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

Get Your flood Risk Report — A$69

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