Climate Risk in Lismore, NSW
Lismore faces significant climate risks, particularly from flooding and heatwaves. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Is Lismore Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Lismore, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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Overall Risk Score
Hazard Breakdown
Flood, bushfire, heat, coastal and storm exposure are all assessed in this area. The score that matters is the property's own: a ClimateNest report scores the address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Lismore
Flood
Lismore is highly susceptible to flooding due to its location on the Wilsons River floodplain. The risk is expected to increase with climate change.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Rising river levels
Bushfire
Bushfire risk is moderate, with areas of bushland surrounding the town. Hotter, drier conditions will likely increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier vegetation
Heat
Lismore experiences hot summers, and the number of extreme heat days is projected to increase, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·More frequent heatwaves
Coastal
Coastal risk is low due to Lismore's inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not direct threats.
Key drivers:
- ·Distance from the coast
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Lismore
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Lismore experiences hot summers, and the number of extreme heat days is projected to increase, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·More frequent heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Lismore is highly susceptible to flooding due to its location on the Wilsons River floodplain. The risk is expected to increase with climate change.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Rising river levels
- ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure
coastal Risk
Coastal risk is low due to Lismore's inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not direct threats.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from the coast
bushfire Risk
Bushfire risk is moderate, with areas of bushland surrounding the town. Hotter, drier conditions will likely increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier vegetation
- ·Stronger winds
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the high flood risk.
Price Impact
Property values may be negatively impacted by the increased risk of flooding and other climate change impacts.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to bushfires.
- 3.Consider the potential impacts of heatwaves.
- 4.Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
How the region's climate is projected to change
Regional projections, not a forecast for this street. Figures are from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's climate projections for the South Western Flatlands region, which draws on CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology modelling.
Temperature
+0.5 to 1.1°C by 2030
Above the 1986–2005 climate, on all emissions scenarios. By 2090, 1.2 to 2.0°C under intermediate emissions or 2.6 to 4.0°C under high emissions.
Rainfall
Winter rain down up to 15% by 2030
The South West has been drying since 1970, and the decline has been larger than anywhere else in Australia. Heavy rainfall events are projected to become more intense even as totals fall.
Fire weather
Harsher, magnitude uncertain
High confidence that fire weather becomes harsher, low confidence in the size of the change, because it depends heavily on summer rainfall.
Sea level
+0.12 m by 2030
At the Fremantle gauge, range 0.07 to 0.16 m. Very high confidence that sea levels continue to rise through the century.
Source: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), Western Australian climate projections: summary, September 2021, South Western Flatlands chapter. Read the projections →
Adaptation Recommendations
Improve flood defenses
ImmediateInvest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees, floodgates, and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop a heatwave plan
Near-termImplement a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreStrengthen building codes
Near-termUpdate building codes to require new buildings to be more resilient to flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreEnhance community awareness
Long-termEducate residents about climate change risks and how to prepare for extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreImprove emergency response
ImmediateStrengthen emergency response capabilities to ensure that residents can be quickly and effectively assisted during extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Lismore's Climate Risk Profile
Lismore is located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales and is highly vulnerable to flooding due to its position on the Wilsons River floodplain. Historical flood events have caused significant damage and disruption, and climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk. Increased rainfall intensity and rising river levels will likely lead to more frequent and severe floods.
Bushfire risk is also a concern, with areas of bushland surrounding the town. Hotter, drier conditions will increase the likelihood of bushfires, posing a threat to homes and infrastructure. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and have a plan in place.
Heatwaves are another significant risk, with Lismore experiencing hot summers. The number of extreme heat days is projected to increase, which can have serious health impacts, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
While coastal risks are relatively low due to Lismore's inland location, the town is still indirectly affected by climate change impacts on the broader region. Changes in rainfall patterns and increased temperatures can affect agriculture and water resources, impacting the local economy and environment.
Suburb pages describe the local picture. The address-level assessment, with its data sources and its dollar projections, is in the ClimateNest report.
Local Government Resources
Lismore City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Lismore?
The main climate change risks in Lismore are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Flooding is the most significant risk due to the town's location on the Wilsons River floodplain. Bushfire risk is also a concern, with areas of bushland surrounding the town. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
How is Lismore City Council addressing climate change?
Lismore City Council is working to address climate change through a range of initiatives, including improving flood defenses, developing a heatwave plan, and promoting sustainable development. The council also provides information to residents on how to prepare for extreme weather events.
What can I do to prepare for flooding in Lismore?
To prepare for flooding in Lismore, you should check flood maps and historical flood data, assess your property's vulnerability to flooding, and develop a flood plan. You should also obtain adequate insurance coverage and be aware of evacuation routes.
How can I protect my home from bushfires in Lismore?
To protect your home from bushfires in Lismore, you should clear vegetation around your home, install fire-resistant materials, and have a bushfire survival plan. You should also be aware of fire danger ratings and take precautions on high-risk days.
What should I do during a heatwave in Lismore?
During a heatwave in Lismore, you should stay indoors in air-conditioned buildings, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. You should also check on vulnerable neighbors and be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke.
Where can I find more information about climate change in Lismore?
You can find more information about climate change in Lismore on the Lismore City Council website, the NSW Government website, and the CSIRO website. You can also contact local emergency services for information on how to prepare for extreme weather events.
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 Lismore, use our analysis tool.
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What A$49 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections