Climate Risk Assessment for Bourke, NSW
Bourke is a regional town in New South Wales facing increasing risks from heatwaves and flooding. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly heat and riverine flooding. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Is Bourke Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Bourke, 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 Bourke
Flood
Bourke faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near the Darling River. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine overflow
Bushfire
Bourke has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and sparse vegetation. Hot, dry conditions increase the likelihood of fire.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Bourke experiences high heat risk with frequent heatwaves and extremely high temperatures during summer. This poses a significant health risk to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·More frequent heatwaves
Coastal
Bourke is located far inland and has negligible coastal risk.
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 Bourke
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
Bourke experiences high heat risk with frequent heatwaves and extremely high temperatures during summer. This poses a significant health risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·More frequent heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Bourke faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near the Darling River. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine overflow
- ·Climate change
coastal Risk
Bourke is located far inland and has negligible coastal risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from coast
bushfire Risk
Bourke has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and sparse vegetation. Hot, dry conditions increase the likelihood of fire.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Windy conditions
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increasing risk of flooding and heatwaves.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Consider potential impacts 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-termInvest in levees and other flood defenses to protect properties from riverine flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop a heatwave management plan
ImmediateImplement a heatwave management plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreEnhance bushfire preparedness
Near-termImplement bushfire mitigation strategies, such as controlled burns and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreUpgrade water infrastructure
Long-termInvest in water infrastructure to ensure a reliable water supply during periods of drought.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreAbout Bourke's Climate Risk Profile
Bourke, located in the far west of New South Wales, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region already experiences high temperatures, and projections indicate a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a serious threat to public health, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
Riverine flooding is another major concern for Bourke. The Darling River, which runs through the town, is prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, leading to more frequent and severe flooding events. This can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, as well as disrupt essential services.
Bushfire risk is also present, although less pronounced than heat and flooding. The surrounding grasslands and sparse vegetation can become highly flammable during hot, dry periods. While Bourke is not directly adjacent to dense bushland, the risk of grassfires spreading into the town remains a concern.
Adapting to these climate risks will require a multi-faceted approach, including investments in infrastructure, improved emergency preparedness, and community awareness programs. Residents should take steps to protect themselves and their properties from the impacts of extreme weather events.
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
Bourke Shire Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks facing Bourke?
Bourke faces increasing risks from heatwaves, flooding, and drought due to climate change.
How will climate change affect property values in Bourke?
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased flood risk.
What is the council doing to address climate change?
Bourke Shire Council is developing strategies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including flood mitigation and heatwave management plans.
How can I prepare for heatwaves in Bourke?
Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Bourke?
Flood maps and information are available on the Bourke Shire Council website and the NSW State Emergency Service website.
Get your property's risk report
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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