Climate Risk in Barnsley, NSW

Barnsley, New South Wales· Lake Macquarie· 2278
Updated May 2026

Barnsley is a suburb in the Lake Macquarie region of New South Wales. It faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also present. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future.

Is Barnsley Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Barnsley, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 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$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

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Overall Risk Score

Address-level

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 Barnsley

Flood

Barnsley faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development

Bushfire

Bushfire risk in Barnsley is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions

Heat

Barnsley experiences a moderate risk from heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heat stress events expected in the future.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Coastal risk is low in Barnsley due to its distance from the coast. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Barnsley

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Barnsley experiences a moderate risk from heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heat stress events expected in the future.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Climate change
Data source

flood Risk

Barnsley faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change
Data source

coastal Risk

Coastal risk is low in Barnsley due to its distance from the coast. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast
Data source

bushfire Risk

Bushfire risk in Barnsley is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

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

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to the increasing risk of flooding and bushfires.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone 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 flooding and bushfires.
  • 3.Obtain insurance quotes and understand the coverage.
  • 4.Consider the potential impact of climate change on property value.

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-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees, drainage improvements, and flood-proofing of buildings.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire management strategies, including fuel reduction, community education, and improved emergency response capabilities.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Action Plan

Immediate

Create a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce water demand during periods of drought and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Near-term

Implement community awareness programs to educate residents about climate change risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Barnsley's Climate Risk Profile

Barnsley, located in the Lake Macquarie region, is susceptible to several climate-related hazards. The suburb's proximity to waterways increases its vulnerability to flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity and frequency of these rainfall events, further elevating the flood risk.

Bushfire risk is also a concern for Barnsley, especially in areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can create ideal conditions for bushfires to spread rapidly. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and have a plan in place in case of an emergency.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Barnsley, posing a risk to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Rising average temperatures and the urban heat island effect contribute to this risk. It is important to stay hydrated and seek shelter in cool places during heatwaves.

While coastal risks are relatively low in Barnsley due to its distance from the coast, the suburb is still indirectly affected by climate change through its impact on the broader region. Sea level rise and coastal erosion can have economic and social consequences that affect the entire community.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Barnsley?

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

How can I prepare my property for flooding in Barnsley?

You can prepare your property for flooding by raising electrical outlets, installing flood barriers, and ensuring proper drainage. Check the Lake Macquarie City Council website for more information.

What should I do during a heatwave in Barnsley?

During a heatwave, stay hydrated, seek shelter in cool places, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about bushfire safety in Barnsley?

You can find information about bushfire safety on the NSW Rural Fire Service website. This includes information on bushfire prone areas, fire danger ratings, and emergency plans.

Is my property in Barnsley located in a bushfire prone area?

You can check if your property is located in a bushfire prone area by consulting the NSW Rural Fire Service map. This map shows the areas that are most at risk from bushfires.

What is Lake Macquarie City Council doing to address climate change?

Lake Macquarie City Council is implementing a range of strategies to address climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

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 Barnsley, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

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Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 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$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

Climate Risk in Barnsley, NSW | ClimateNest