Climate Risk in Bourkelands, NSW
Bourkelands is a suburb of Wagga Wagga facing moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, requiring proactive adaptation measures.
Is Bourkelands Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Bourkelands, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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
Not ready to check your address? See a free sample report →
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 Bourkelands
Flood
Bourkelands faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Murrumbidgee River. Properties close to the river are most vulnerable. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine flooding
Bushfire
The bushfire risk in Bourkelands is moderate. While not immediately adjacent to dense bushland, the suburb is surrounded by grasslands and agricultural areas that can fuel fires. Hotter, drier conditions due to climate change will likely increase the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Bourkelands experiences high temperatures during summer, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Climate change is exacerbating this risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·More frequent heatwaves
Coastal
Bourkelands is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Bourkelands
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
Bourkelands experiences high temperatures during summer, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Climate change is exacerbating this risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·More frequent heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Bourkelands faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Murrumbidgee River. Properties close to the river are most vulnerable. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine flooding
- ·Urban development
bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Bourkelands is moderate. While not immediately adjacent to dense bushland, the suburb is surrounded by grasslands and agricultural areas that can fuel fires. Hotter, drier conditions due to climate change will likely increase the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Grassland fires
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
- 3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on property comfort and energy costs.
- 4.Review insurance coverage for flood and bushfire damage.
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 infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreBushfire Preparedness
Near-termImplement bushfire management strategies, including vegetation clearing and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreHeatwave Action Plan
ImmediateDevelop and implement a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreSustainable Urban Planning
Long-termPromote sustainable urban planning practices to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve resilience to climate change.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Bourkelands's Climate Risk Profile
Bourkelands, a suburb in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, is exposed to several climate-related risks. The most significant threat comes from flooding due to its proximity to the Murrumbidgee River. Increased rainfall intensity, driven by climate change, is projected to increase the frequency and severity of flood events, impacting properties and infrastructure near the river.
Bushfire risk is also a concern, although less immediate than flooding. The surrounding grasslands and agricultural areas can become fuel for fires during hot, dry periods. Climate change is expected to prolong fire seasons and increase the intensity of bushfires, posing a threat to the suburb.
Heatwaves are another significant risk, with Bourkelands experiencing high temperatures during summer. Climate change is leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, which can have severe health impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations. The urban environment can also contribute to the urban heat island effect, further exacerbating temperatures.
While Bourkelands is not directly exposed to coastal risks, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and economic activity, can indirectly affect the suburb. Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies, including improved flood defenses, bushfire management, and heatwave preparedness.
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
Wagga Wagga City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Bourkelands?
The main climate change risks in Bourkelands are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to climate change.
How is the local council addressing climate change?
The Wagga Wagga City Council is developing and implementing strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change, including flood management plans and heatwave action plans.
What can residents do to prepare for floods?
Residents can prepare for floods by checking flood maps, having an evacuation plan, and ensuring they have adequate insurance coverage.
How can I protect my home from bushfires?
You can protect your home from bushfires by clearing vegetation around your property, having a bushfire survival plan, and staying informed about fire danger ratings.
What are the health risks associated with heatwaves?
Heatwaves can cause heatstroke, dehydration, and other health problems, particularly for vulnerable populations. It is important to stay cool and hydrated during heatwaves.
Where can I find more information about climate change in Wagga Wagga?
You can find more information about climate change in Wagga Wagga on the Wagga Wagga City Council website and the NSW Government 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 Bourkelands, use our analysis tool.
Check Your flood Risk Now
Check Bourkelands's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.
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