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Climate Risk in Yorklea, New South Wales

Yorklea, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Yorklea faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also present. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly flooding and heatwaves, requiring proactive adaptation measures.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Yorklea

increasing

Flood

65/100

Yorklea faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location and rainfall patterns. Properties near waterways are particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
stable

Bushfire

40/100

The bushfire risk in Yorklea is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland being more susceptible. Residents should maintain their properties and be prepared for fire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

60/100

Yorklea is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Yorklea 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 Yorklea

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

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

60/100

Yorklea is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Yorklea faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location and rainfall patterns. Properties near waterways are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
  • ·Aging drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Yorklea is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The bushfire risk in Yorklea is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland being more susceptible. Residents should maintain their properties and be prepared for fire season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Strong winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.

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 property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Richmond River
Elevation Range
50-70m
Flood Zone
Low to Moderate

Historical flood data indicates that properties near the Richmond River are most vulnerable.

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

Residents should maintain a defensible space around their homes and have a bushfire survival plan.

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
70 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not applicable
Erosion Risk
Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

The Richmond River experienced moderate flooding, impacting low-lying areas of Yorklea.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the region caused smoky conditions and heightened fire risk in Yorklea.

Source
2020
heatwaveModerate

Yorklea experienced a prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several days.

Source
2022
floodMajor

Significant flooding occurred in the Richmond River catchment, impacting Yorklea and surrounding areas.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood657.3(+0.8)8.0(+1.5)
bushfire404.2(+0.2)4.4(+0.4)
heat606.7(+0.7)7.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Yorklea is projected to experience increased flooding and more frequent heatwaves under a high emissions scenario.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Improve drainage systems to handle increased rainfall and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement Bushfire Management Strategies

Near-term

Reduce fuel loads and improve firebreaks to protect properties from bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Response Plan

Immediate

Provide support for vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Raise Community Awareness

Long-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Yorklea's Climate Risk Profile

Yorklea is a rural locality in New South Wales, facing a range of climate-related challenges. The primary concerns are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall events and rising temperatures leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves.

The risk of flooding is heightened by the proximity of waterways and the potential for heavy rainfall. Climate change projections indicate an increase in extreme rainfall events, which could overwhelm existing drainage infrastructure and lead to property damage.

Bushfire risk is also a factor, particularly for properties bordering bushland. While not as immediate a threat as flooding or heatwaves, residents should remain vigilant and prepared, especially during the fire season.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further exacerbate these conditions in built-up areas.

Adaptation measures are crucial to mitigate these risks. These include upgrading drainage infrastructure, implementing bushfire management strategies, and providing support for vulnerable populations during heatwaves. Community awareness and preparedness are also essential to building resilience to climate change impacts.

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

Local Government Resources

UNKNOWN

Flood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Yorklea?

The main climate risks are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall, more frequent and severe heatwaves, and bushfire risk, particularly for properties bordering bushland.

How will climate change affect property values in Yorklea?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased flood and bushfire risks. Insurance premiums may also increase.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The council is working to upgrade drainage infrastructure, implement bushfire management strategies, and develop a heatwave response plan. They are also raising community awareness about climate risks and adaptation measures.

How can I prepare my home for a flood?

You can prepare your home by elevating appliances, sealing walls, and installing flood barriers. It's also important to have a flood emergency plan and know where to go if you need to evacuate.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

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 Yorklea, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Yorklea →

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