Climate Risk in Calderwood, NSW

Calderwood, New South Wales· Shellharbour· 2527
Updated May 2026

Calderwood faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future, requiring proactive adaptation measures.

Is Calderwood Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Calderwood, 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 Calderwood

Flood

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

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development

Bushfire

Calderwood has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during bushfire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures

Heat

Calderwood experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected in the future.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Calderwood has a low coastal risk due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Calderwood

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Calderwood experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected in the future.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

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

Primary Drivers

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

coastal Risk

Calderwood has a low coastal risk due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
Data source

bushfire Risk

Calderwood has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Strong winds
  • ·Climate change
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to the elevated risk of flooding and bushfires.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider the long-term 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 Defences

Near-term

Construct levees and drainage systems to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Mitigation

Immediate

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as vegetation management and fire breaks.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Preparedness

Near-term

Develop a heatwave preparedness plan and establish cooling centers for vulnerable residents.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education

Long-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Calderwood's Climate Risk Profile

Calderwood, located in the Shellharbour region of New South Wales, is susceptible to a range of climate-related risks. The suburb's proximity to waterways and bushland increases its vulnerability to flooding and bushfires, respectively. Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves also pose a threat to the community.

Flooding is a significant concern for Calderwood, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The local waterways can overflow, inundating low-lying areas and causing damage to property. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, further exacerbating the risk of flooding.

Bushfires are another major threat to Calderwood, especially during the dry summer months. The surrounding bushland provides ample fuel for fires, and strong winds can quickly spread flames towards residential areas. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfires, posing a greater risk to the community.

Heatwaves are becoming more common and intense in Calderwood, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Rising temperatures can also strain infrastructure, such as power grids and transportation systems. Climate change is driving the increase in heatwaves, making it essential to implement adaptation measures to protect the community.

While coastal risks are relatively low due to the suburb's distance from the coast, it's important to consider the interconnectedness of climate impacts. Changes in weather patterns and extreme events can still indirectly affect Calderwood. Proactive planning and community engagement are crucial to building resilience and mitigating the impacts of climate change in Calderwood.

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 Calderwood?

Calderwood faces risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Calderwood?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased insurance costs and potential damage from extreme events.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Calderwood?

Shellharbour City Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to reduce the risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves.

How can I prepare my home for flooding in Calderwood?

You can prepare your home by installing flood barriers, elevating appliances, and ensuring proper drainage.

What should I do during a bushfire in Calderwood?

During a bushfire, follow the advice of emergency services, evacuate if necessary, and protect your home by clearing vegetation and having a bushfire survival plan.

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 Calderwood, 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