Climate Risk Profile: Yowie Bay, NSW

Yowie Bay, New South Wales· Sutherland Shire· 2228
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Yowie Bay faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. The risk scores are projected to increase by 2050 under high emissions scenarios. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
5.5
Coastal
5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Yowie Bay

increasing

Flood

65/100

Yowie Bay faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and potential inundation.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

40/100

The bushfire risk in Yowie Bay is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can elevate the risk during the bushfire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

55/100

Yowie Bay experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

50/100

Yowie Bay faces a moderate coastal risk due to sea level rise and potential erosion. Low-lying areas are vulnerable to inundation during storm surges and high tides.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 Yowie Bay

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

55/100

Yowie Bay experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.0

2050

6.5

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Yowie Bay faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and potential inundation.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Yowie Bay faces a moderate coastal risk due to sea level rise and potential erosion. Low-lying areas are vulnerable to inundation during storm surges and high tides.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The bushfire risk in Yowie Bay is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can elevate the risk during the bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in high-risk areas

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price impacts

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area status
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves
  • 3.Review insurance options and potential premium increases
  • 4.Consider long-term climate risks when making property decisions

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Yowie Bay
Elevation Range
0-30 meters
Flood Zone
Partially within flood zone

Some properties are located near the Yowie Bay waterway and may be susceptible to tidal and stormwater flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to Royal National Park
Planning Overlay
Bushfire prone area overlay applies
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties near the Royal National Park require adherence to bushfire building codes.

Heat Evidence

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

Average maximum temperatures in January are increasing, leading to more frequent heat stress events.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas exposed to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk along the shoreline

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in low-lying areas of Yowie Bay.

Source
2020
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the Royal National Park caused smoke haze and elevated fire risk in Yowie Bay.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions led to increased heat stress and health concerns in the community.

Source
2016
stormModerate

Severe storm caused flash flooding and power outages in the Sutherland Shire, including Yowie Bay.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

HazardToday20302050
flood656.7(+0.2)7.3(+0.8)
bushfire404.1(+0.1)4.3(+0.3)
heat555.9(+0.4)6.7(+1.2)
coastal505.3(+0.3)6.0(+1.0)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Yowie Bay is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with heat and coastal hazards showing the most significant changes.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement heatwave early warning system

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave early warning system to alert vulnerable populations and provide guidance on staying safe during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Strengthen coastal defenses

Long-term

Invest in coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire preparedness programs

Near-term

Implement community education programs to improve bushfire preparedness and promote fire-resistant landscaping.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce water demand during droughts and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Yowie Bay's Climate Risk Profile

Yowie Bay, located in the Sutherland Shire of New South Wales, is susceptible to a range of climate-related risks. Its proximity to waterways increases the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, with more intense storms and rising sea levels.

The suburb also faces challenges from increasing temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, are particularly at risk during these events. The urban environment can amplify the heat island effect, further increasing temperatures.

Bushfire risk is also a concern, especially in areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can create dangerous fire conditions. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and have evacuation plans in place.

Coastal risks, including sea level rise and erosion, pose a threat to low-lying areas of Yowie Bay. These risks are projected to increase in the coming decades, potentially impacting infrastructure and property values. Adaptation measures are needed to mitigate these risks and protect the community.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · Sutherland Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Yowie Bay?

Yowie Bay faces climate risks primarily from flooding, heatwaves, bushfires, and coastal hazards such as sea level rise and erosion. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Yowie Bay?

Properties in areas at high risk of flooding or coastal inundation may experience price impacts. It's important to consider long-term climate risks when making property decisions.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Yowie Bay?

Sutherland Shire Council has a climate strategy in place to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes measures to improve stormwater drainage, protect coastal areas, and promote sustainable practices.

How can I prepare my home for extreme weather events in Yowie Bay?

You can prepare your home by clearing gutters, trimming trees, securing loose objects, and having an emergency kit ready. If you live in a bushfire-prone area, follow bushfire safety guidelines and maintain a firebreak around your property.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Yowie Bay?

You can find flood maps and information on the Sutherland Shire Council website or the NSW State Emergency Service website.

What should I do during a heatwave in Yowie Bay?

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

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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