Climate Risk Assessment for Coolac, NSW

Coolac, New South Wales· Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council· 2727
Updated May 2026

Coolac is a rural town in New South Wales that faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with a lower risk from bushfires. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly flooding and heatwaves. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Is Coolac Safe from Climate Risk?

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

Flood

Coolac faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Murrumbidgee River and local creeks. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flood events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding

Bushfire

The area around Coolac has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and bushland. Hot, dry conditions during summer increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Hot summers

Heat

Coolac experiences moderately high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Coastal

Coolac 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 Coolac

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Coolac experiences moderately high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect (minor)
Data source

flood Risk

Coolac faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Murrumbidgee River and local creeks. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flood events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure
Data source

coastal Risk

Coolac is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

Data source

bushfire Risk

The area around Coolac has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and bushland. Hot, dry conditions during summer increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Hot summers
  • ·Windy conditions
Data source

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 price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades to reduce heat stress.

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

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and build levees to protect against flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Bushfire Management Plan

Near-term

Create and implement a community bushfire management plan, including evacuation routes and firebreaks.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Implement Heatwave Preparedness Program

Immediate

Establish a heatwave early warning system and provide cooling centers for vulnerable residents.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to mitigate the impact of droughts and reduced rainfall.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Coolac's Climate Risk Profile

Coolac, NSW, is a small town located inland, primarily facing risks associated with flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. The town's proximity to the Murrumbidgee River makes it susceptible to flooding, which is expected to worsen with climate change due to increased rainfall intensity.

Bushfire risk is moderate, with surrounding grasslands and bushland posing a threat during hot, dry summers. While not as immediate as flooding, bushfire preparedness is crucial for residents.

Heatwaves are also a concern, with rising average temperatures increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations. The town needs to implement strategies to mitigate the impact of extreme heat.

Overall, Coolac needs to focus on adaptation measures to address these climate-related challenges, including improved flood defenses, bushfire management plans, and heatwave preparedness programs. Community awareness and proactive planning are essential to ensure the town's resilience in the face of a changing climate.

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

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Coolac?

Coolac primarily faces risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to worsen with climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Coolac?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price stagnation or decline due to increased flood risk.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves?

Residents should stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is developing climate adaptation strategies and working to improve community resilience.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Coolac?

You can find flood maps and historical flood data on the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council website and the NSW SES 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 Coolac, 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 Profile for Coolac, NSW | ClimateNest