Climate Risk Profile: Yarragal, NSW

Yarragal, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Yarragal faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
4.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Yarragal

increasing

Flood

60/100

Yarragal 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

Yarragal has a high bushfire risk due to surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
increasing

Heat

40/100

Yarragal experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Yarragal 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 Yarragal

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

40/100

Yarragal experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Yarragal 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

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Yarragal is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

bushfire Risk

70/100

Yarragal has a high bushfire risk due to surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Stronger winds

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 rising risk of extreme weather events.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area maps.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
  • 3.Consider the cost of insurance and potential for future premium increases.
  • 4.Inquire about council plans for climate adaptation.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local creeks and rivers
Elevation Range
Varies across the suburb
Flood Zone
Areas near waterways are prone to flooding

Historical flood data indicates that some areas are more vulnerable than others.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to significant bushland areas
Planning Overlay
Check NSW RFS website for current bushfire prone area maps
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties located closer to the bushland are at higher risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Elderly residents and those with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Major flooding event impacted the region, causing property damage and disruptions to infrastructure.

Source
2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfires threatened the outskirts of the suburb, requiring evacuations and property protection measures.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions led to increased hospital admissions and strain on emergency services.

Source
2020
bushfireMajor

Widespread bushfires impacted the region, causing significant damage and loss of property.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.3(+0.3)6.6(+0.6)
bushfire707.4(+0.4)7.8(+0.8)
heat404.6(+0.6)5.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Yarragal is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave frequency and intensity. Bushfire risk will also rise due to drier conditions.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in improved drainage systems and flood barriers to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Clear vegetation around properties, develop a bushfire survival plan, and install fire-resistant building materials.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Preparedness

Immediate

Install air conditioning or fans, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity during heatwaves. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade Building Codes

Long-term

Update building codes to require more climate-resilient construction materials and designs.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Yarragal's Climate Risk Profile

Yarragal is a suburb in New South Wales that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are expected to worsen these hazards.

Flooding is a significant concern due to the suburb's proximity to waterways. Intense rainfall events can overwhelm drainage systems and cause property damage. Bushfire risk is elevated due to the surrounding bushland, with hot, dry conditions creating ideal conditions for fires to spread rapidly.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect can further exacerbate temperatures in built-up areas. Sea level rise is not a direct threat to Yarragal.

Adapting to these changes will require a combination of individual actions, community initiatives, and government policies. Residents should take steps to protect their homes and prepare for extreme weather events. Local authorities need to invest in infrastructure improvements and implement strategies to mitigate climate risks.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Yarragal?

The main climate risks facing Yarragal 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 a flood?

You can prepare your home for a flood by elevating appliances, installing flood barriers, and clearing gutters and downpipes.

What should I do during a bushfire?

During a bushfire, follow your bushfire survival plan, evacuate if necessary, and stay informed about the latest fire updates.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and seek shelter in air-conditioned environments.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The council is implementing a climate strategy that includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Where can I find more information about climate risks in Yarragal?

You can find more information about climate risks in Yarragal on the council website, the NSW SES website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.

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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