Climate Risk in Yarranbella, New South Wales

Yarranbella, New South Wales· Kempsey· 2447
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Yarranbella is a suburb in New South Wales that faces moderate climate risks, particularly from flooding and bushfires. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events, impacting the community and local economy. Residents should prepare for these changes and take steps to adapt.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
4.5

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Yarranbella

increasing

Flood

65/100

Yarranbella faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Yarranbella has a high bushfire risk due to its location surrounded by bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to exacerbate bushfire risk in the future.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

50/100

Yarranbella experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This could impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

45/100

Yarranbella faces a low to moderate coastal risk. Sea level rise and storm surges could lead to erosion and inundation in coastal areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge
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 Yarranbella

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Yarranbella experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This could impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Yarranbella faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

45/100

Yarranbella faces a low to moderate coastal risk. Sea level rise and storm surges could lead to erosion and inundation in coastal areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge
  • ·Erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Yarranbella has a high bushfire risk due to its location surrounded by bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to exacerbate bushfire risk in the future.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the rising risk of flooding and bushfires.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate change projections.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Macleay River
Elevation Range
5-20 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near the Macleay River are prone to flooding.

Historical flood data indicates that Yarranbella has experienced several moderate to major flood events in the past.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

The area is designated as bushfire prone, requiring specific building standards for new constructions.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase in the coming decades.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

The Macleay River experienced moderate flooding, impacting low-lying areas of Yarranbella.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the region caused smoke haze and elevated fire danger in Yarranbella.

Source
2020
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall led to localized flooding in Yarranbella, affecting some residential areas.

Source
2017
stormMinor

A severe storm caused minor damage to property and infrastructure in Yarranbella.

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)
bushfire707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
heat505.3(+0.3)5.6(+0.6)
coastal454.7(+0.2)4.9(+0.4)

By 2030, Yarranbella is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and bushfire risk due to changing weather patterns.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees, improved drainage systems, and flood-resistant building designs.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Management

Immediate

Implement bushfire management strategies, including controlled burns, vegetation management, and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Preparedness

Near-term

Develop a heatwave preparedness plan, including public awareness campaigns, cooling centers, and support for vulnerable populations.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Coastal Erosion Mitigation

Long-term

Implement coastal erosion mitigation measures, such as beach nourishment, seawalls, and managed retreat strategies.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Community Education

Near-term

Educate residents about climate change risks and adaptation measures through workshops, online resources, and community events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Yarranbella's Climate Risk Profile

Yarranbella, located in the Kempsey region of New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These hazards pose a threat to property, infrastructure, and the well-being of residents.

Flooding is a significant concern due to the suburb's proximity to waterways. Increased rainfall intensity, driven by climate change, is expected to exacerbate flood events. Bushfire risk is also high, with the surrounding bushland creating a potential fire hazard, especially during dry and hot conditions.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing health risks to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Coastal erosion, while less immediate, is a long-term threat due to sea level rise and storm surges.

Adapting to these changes is crucial for the long-term sustainability of Yarranbella. This includes implementing flood mitigation measures, managing bushfire risk, preparing for heatwaves, and addressing coastal erosion. Community awareness and preparedness are also essential for building resilience to climate change impacts.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Yarranbella?

The main climate change risks in Yarranbella are flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Yarranbella?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to the increasing risk of flooding, bushfires, and coastal erosion. Insurance premiums are also likely to increase.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Yarranbella?

The Kempsey Shire Council is developing and implementing climate change adaptation strategies, including flood mitigation measures, bushfire management plans, and heatwave preparedness programs.

How can residents prepare for climate change impacts in Yarranbella?

Residents can prepare for climate change impacts by checking flood maps and bushfire prone area designations, assessing their property's vulnerability to heatwaves, inquiring about insurance costs and coverage, and considering long-term climate change projections.

Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Yarranbella?

You can find more information about climate change risks in Yarranbella on the Kempsey Shire Council website, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.

What kind of insurance should I have in Yarranbella?

Given the risks of flooding and bushfires, it's important to have comprehensive home and contents insurance that covers these events. Check the policy details carefully to understand the extent of coverage.

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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