Climate Risk in Wongarbon, New South Wales

Wongarbon, New South Wales· Dubbo Regional· 2831
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Wongarbon is a suburb in the Dubbo region of New South Wales. It faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, which are projected to increase with climate change. Bushfire risk is also present, though relatively stable.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Wongarbon

increasing

Flood

60/100

Wongarbon faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and relatively flat terrain. Intense rainfall events can lead to localized flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
stable

Bushfire

40/100

The bushfire risk in Wongarbon is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a potential threat during dry periods and high winds.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

Wongarbon experiences high temperatures during summer, leading to a significant heat risk for vulnerable populations. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Wongarbon is located inland and does not face any direct 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 Wongarbon

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Wongarbon experiences high temperatures during summer, leading to a significant heat risk for vulnerable populations. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Wongarbon faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and relatively flat terrain. Intense rainfall events can lead to localized flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Wongarbon is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The bushfire risk in Wongarbon is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a potential threat during dry periods and high winds.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to flood and heat risks.

Price Impact

Potential for moderate price impact in the long term.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood history of the property.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Ensure adequate cooling systems are in place.
  • 4.Review insurance coverage for climate-related events.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Macquarie River
Elevation Range
270-290m
Flood Zone
Low to Moderate

The Macquarie River is the primary flood risk factor. Local drainage infrastructure may be insufficient during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 1km
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas adjacent to the western and southern boundaries are designated as bushfire prone.

Heat Evidence

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

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in the Dubbo region, impacting Wongarbon with road closures and property damage.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions affected Wongarbon, leading to increased demand for electricity and health concerns.

Source
2019
droughtMajor

Severe drought conditions impacted agricultural activities and water resources in the Wongarbon area.

Source
2023
floodMinor

Localized flooding occurred due to heavy rainfall, causing minor disruptions.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
bushfire404.2(+0.2)4.5(+0.5)
heat707.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Wongarbon is projected to experience increased heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a higher risk of flooding due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk will also slightly increase.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Home Cooling

Immediate

Install energy-efficient air conditioning or fans to mitigate heat stress during heatwaves.

Est. cost: $500 - $5000

Learn more

Manage Vegetation

Near-term

Clear vegetation around properties to reduce bushfire risk.

Est. cost: $100 - $1000

Learn more

Improve Drainage

Near-term

Improve local drainage infrastructure to reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: $1000 - $10000

Learn more

Emergency Preparedness

Immediate

Develop a family emergency plan and stay informed about weather warnings.

Est. cost: Minimal

Learn more

About Wongarbon's Climate Risk Profile

Wongarbon, located near Dubbo, NSW, is susceptible to several climate-related risks. The area experiences hot summers, increasing the risk of heatwaves and related health issues. Changes in rainfall patterns are contributing to increased flood risk, particularly during intense storm events.

The surrounding bushland also poses a bushfire threat, especially during dry seasons. While not directly impacted by coastal hazards, the broader region can experience indirect effects from severe weather events.

Climate projections indicate that heatwave frequency and intensity will likely increase in the coming decades. Rainfall patterns are expected to become more erratic, with longer dry periods interspersed with intense rainfall events, further exacerbating flood risks.

Residents and property owners should consider implementing adaptation measures to mitigate these risks. These measures include improving home cooling, managing vegetation around properties, and staying informed about emergency warnings.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · Dubbo Regional Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Wongarbon?

The main risks are increased heatwaves, flooding, and bushfire risk.

How will climate change affect property values in Wongarbon?

Climate change may have a moderate impact on property values in the long term, particularly for properties in high-risk areas.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Wongarbon?

Ensure you have adequate cooling systems, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours.

How can I reduce my property's bushfire risk?

Clear vegetation around your property, maintain gutters, and have a bushfire survival plan.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Wongarbon?

You can find flood maps and information on the Dubbo Regional Council website.

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 Wongarbon, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Wongarbon'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

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