Climate Risk in Barrack Heights, NSW

Barrack Heights, New South Wales· Shellharbour· 2528
Updated May 2026

Barrack Heights faces a medium overall climate risk. The primary concerns are increasing heatwaves and potential flooding. Coastal risks and bushfire risks also contribute to the overall score.

Is Barrack Heights Safe from Climate Risk?

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

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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 Barrack Heights

Flood

Barrack Heights faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall and nearby waterways. Properties close to creeks and low-lying areas are most vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development

Bushfire

The risk of bushfire in Barrack Heights is moderate due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions during summer increase the likelihood of fire.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures

Heat

Barrack Heights is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Barrack Heights faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. Properties close to the coastline are particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

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Energy

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In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Barrack Heights

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Barrack Heights is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Barrack Heights faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall and nearby waterways. Properties close to creeks and low-lying areas are most vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

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

coastal Risk

Barrack Heights faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. Properties close to the coastline are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

The risk of bushfire in Barrack Heights is moderate due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions during summer increase the likelihood of fire.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind
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 reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone land overlays.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
  • 3.Inquire about past flood or bushfire events.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.

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 stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure to reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Create community cooling centers

Immediate

Establish community cooling centers to provide refuge during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Implement coastal protection measures

Long-term

Construct seawalls and other coastal protection measures to mitigate erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop bushfire management plan

Near-term

Create and implement a comprehensive bushfire management plan for the suburb.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Educate residents on climate risks

Immediate

Provide residents with information and resources on climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Barrack Heights's Climate Risk Profile

Barrack Heights, located in the Shellharbour region of New South Wales, is exposed to a range of climate-related risks. The suburb's proximity to the coast and bushland increases its vulnerability to coastal erosion, flooding, and bushfires. Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a significant threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Flooding is a major concern for Barrack Heights, with heavy rainfall events and potential sea level rise increasing the risk of inundation. Properties located near creeks and low-lying areas are particularly susceptible. Bushfire risk is also present due to the suburb's proximity to bushland, with hot, dry conditions during summer increasing the likelihood of fire.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a significant risk to the health and well-being of residents. The urban heat island effect can exacerbate these conditions, particularly in densely populated areas. Coastal erosion and sea level rise also threaten properties located near the coastline.

Addressing these climate risks requires a multi-faceted approach, including investments in infrastructure, community education, and adaptation measures. Residents can take steps to protect their properties and prepare for extreme weather events. Local government plays a crucial role in implementing climate resilience strategies and ensuring the safety of the 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 risks facing Barrack Heights?

Barrack Heights faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How can I protect my property from flooding?

You can protect your property from flooding by elevating structures, improving drainage, and installing flood barriers. Check the Shellharbour City Council flood maps for detailed information.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Visit a community cooling center if necessary.

How can I prepare for a bushfire?

Prepare for a bushfire by creating a bushfire survival plan, maintaining firebreaks around your property, and knowing the fire danger ratings.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

Shellharbour City Council is implementing a range of climate strategies, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Barrack Heights?

You can find more information about climate change in Barrack Heights on the Shellharbour City Council website, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website, and the CSIRO website.

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 Barrack Heights, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

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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 Barrack Heights, NSW | ClimateNest