Climate Risk Profile: Barham, NSW
Barham is a rural town in NSW that faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. The risk of these hazards is projected to increase in the coming decades due to climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Is Barham Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Barham, 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 Barham
Flood
Barham faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Murray River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine flooding
Bushfire
The bushfire risk in Barham is relatively low compared to other regions in NSW. However, dry conditions and increasing temperatures can elevate the risk during peak bushfire season.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Increasing temperatures
Heat
Barham is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
As an inland suburb, Barham has negligible risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.
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 Barham
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
Barham is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect (minor)
flood Risk
Barham faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Murray River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine flooding
- ·Low-lying topography
coastal Risk
As an inland suburb, Barham has negligible risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from the coast
bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Barham is relatively low compared to other regions in NSW. However, dry conditions and increasing temperatures can elevate the risk during peak bushfire season.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Increasing temperatures
- ·Wind patterns
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to flood risk.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience some price impact.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Enquire about council's climate adaptation plans.
- 4.Review insurance options and premiums.
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
Near-termInvest in levees and drainage systems to protect properties from flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop Heat Action Plan
ImmediateImplement a community heat action plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreEnhance Bushfire Preparedness
Near-termConduct regular bushfire risk assessments and implement mitigation measures.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreUpgrade Infrastructure
Long-termUpgrade critical infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreAbout Barham's Climate Risk Profile
Barham, located in the Murray River region of New South Wales, is susceptible to several climate-related hazards. The most significant risk is flooding, due to its proximity to the Murray River. Increased rainfall intensity, driven by climate change, is expected to exacerbate this risk, potentially impacting homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
Bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other parts of NSW, but still present, especially during dry periods. Higher temperatures and drier conditions can increase the likelihood of bushfires, threatening properties and the surrounding environment.
Heatwaves are another growing concern for Barham. As average temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are projected to increase, posing health risks to vulnerable populations. The local community needs to be prepared for these events and take necessary precautions.
While coastal risks are minimal due to Barham's inland location, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to agriculture and water resources, could indirectly affect the region. Adapting to these changes is crucial for the long-term sustainability of Barham.
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
Murray River Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Barham?
The main climate change risks for Barham are flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. Flooding is the most significant risk due to the town's proximity to the Murray River. Heatwaves are also a growing concern, and bushfire risk is present, especially during dry periods.
How is the local council preparing for climate change?
Murray River Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation plans to address the risks posed by climate change. These plans include measures to improve flood defenses, manage heatwaves, and enhance bushfire preparedness.
What can residents do to prepare for increased heatwaves?
Residents can prepare for increased heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. It's also important to have a heat action plan in place.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Barham?
Information about flood risks in Barham can be found on the Murray River Council website, including flood maps and historical flood data. You can also contact the council directly for more information.
How will climate change affect property values in Barham?
Climate change may have some impact on property values in Barham, particularly in flood-prone areas. It's important to consider climate risks when buying or selling property in the region.
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 Barham, 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