Climate Risk Profile: Worrowing Heights, NSW

Worrowing Heights, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Worrowing Heights faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, with coastal risks being low. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future, requiring proactive adaptation measures.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.2
Bushfire
6.5
Heat
5.5
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Worrowing Heights

increasing

Flood

42/100

Worrowing Heights faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The risk is influenced by local topography and drainage infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

65/100

The bushfire risk in Worrowing Heights is relatively high due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Fuel load
increasing

Heat

55/100

Worrowing Heights experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected in the future. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risk is low in Worrowing Heights due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to this suburb.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
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 Worrowing Heights

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

55/100

Worrowing Heights experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected in the future. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.8

2050

6.2

Data source

flood Risk

42/100

Worrowing Heights faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The risk is influenced by local topography and drainage infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Aging drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

4.8

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risk is low in Worrowing Heights due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to this suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.1

Data source

bushfire Risk

65/100

The bushfire risk in Worrowing Heights is relatively high due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Fuel load
  • ·Ignition sources

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.8

2050

7.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Increased premiums possible due to flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

Potential for moderate price impact due to increased risk.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and mitigation measures.
  • 3.Consider energy efficiency for heatwave resilience.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Shoalhaven River
Elevation Range
50-150m
Flood Zone
Potentially affected by overland flow

Local drainage capacity may be exceeded during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland reserves
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should maintain firebreaks and have a bushfire survival plan.

Heat Evidence

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

Vulnerable populations should take precautions during heatwave events.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
10 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low
Erosion Risk
Low

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 transport and damaging property.

Source
2019
bushfireMajor

Severe bushfires affected the region, leading to widespread evacuations and significant property loss.

Source
2020
floodModerate

Flooding occurred due to heavy rainfall events, impacting local infrastructure.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood424.4(+0.2)4.6(+0.4)
bushfire656.8(+0.3)7.0(+0.5)
heat555.9(+0.4)6.3(+0.8)
coastal101.01.1(+0.1)

By 2030, Worrowing Heights is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave frequency and intensity, as well as a heightened risk of bushfires. Flooding risk will also increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade and maintain drainage systems to mitigate flood risk from increased rainfall intensity.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness Planning

Immediate

Develop and implement comprehensive bushfire management plans, including fuel reduction and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Early Warning System

Near-term

Establish a heatwave early warning system to alert vulnerable populations and provide guidance on protective measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Long-term

Implement community education programs to raise awareness about climate risks and promote adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Worrowing Heights's Climate Risk Profile

Worrowing Heights, located in New South Wales, is exposed to a range of climate-related risks. The primary concerns are flooding due to increased rainfall intensity, bushfires due to proximity to bushland, and heatwaves resulting from rising average temperatures.

The suburb's flood risk is influenced by its topography and existing drainage infrastructure. Increased urban development can further exacerbate this risk by increasing stormwater runoff. Bushfire risk is heightened during hot, dry periods, particularly when coupled with strong winds.

Heatwave events are expected to become more frequent and intense, posing a threat to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect may also contribute to higher temperatures in certain areas.

While coastal risks are relatively low due to the suburb's inland location, the impacts of climate change on other hazards necessitate proactive adaptation strategies to protect the community and infrastructure.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Worrowing Heights?

The main climate change risks for Worrowing Heights include increased flooding, more frequent and intense bushfires, and more severe heatwaves.

How will climate change affect property values in Worrowing Heights?

Climate change may have a moderate impact on property values in Worrowing Heights due to increased risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Properties in high-risk areas may experience greater price impacts.

What can residents do to prepare for increased heatwaves?

Residents can prepare for increased heatwaves by ensuring their homes are well-insulated, installing air conditioning or fans, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.

What is the council doing to address climate change risks in Worrowing Heights?

The council is currently developing a climate adaptation strategy to address the risks of climate change in Worrowing Heights. This strategy will include measures to mitigate flood risk, manage bushfire risk, and protect vulnerable populations from heatwaves.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Worrowing Heights?

You can find more information about flood risks in Worrowing Heights on the NSW SES website and potentially on the council website, if they provide flood maps.

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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