Climate Risk Profile: Crescent Head, NSW
Crescent Head is a coastal town in New South Wales that faces several climate-related risks. These include flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades.
Is Crescent Head Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Crescent Head, 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 Crescent Head
Flood
Crescent Head faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its coastal location and proximity to waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially exacerbating flood events.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
The risk of bushfire in Crescent Head is moderate, given the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures associated with climate change could increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Crescent Head is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Crescent Head is vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea level rise. Climate change is expected to accelerate these processes, threatening coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Crescent Head
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
Crescent Head is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect (minor)
flood Risk
Crescent Head faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its coastal location and proximity to waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially exacerbating flood events.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Coastal erosion
coastal Risk
Crescent Head is vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea level rise. Climate change is expected to accelerate these processes, threatening coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge
- ·Coastal erosion
bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfire in Crescent Head is moderate, given the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures associated with climate change could increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Vegetation dryness
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to climate-related risks.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
- 3.Consider the cost of insurance and potential for future increases.
- 4.Evaluate the property's energy efficiency and ability to withstand heatwaves.
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 Drainage Infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreVegetation Management
Near-termImplement vegetation management strategies to reduce bushfire risk, such as creating fire breaks and removing flammable materials.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreCoastal Protection Measures
Long-termInvest in coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreCommunity Education Programs
ImmediateDevelop and implement community education programs to raise awareness of climate risks and promote adaptation measures.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreHeatwave Preparedness Plans
Near-termDevelop and implement heatwave preparedness plans to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Crescent Head's Climate Risk Profile
Crescent Head, located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, is a picturesque coastal town known for its beaches and relaxed lifestyle. However, like many coastal communities, it faces increasing challenges from climate change.
The primary risks to Crescent Head include flooding from increased rainfall and storm surges, bushfires due to hotter and drier conditions, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and coastal erosion exacerbated by sea level rise. These risks have the potential to impact property values, infrastructure, and the overall livability of the town.
Flooding is a significant concern, particularly in low-lying areas near the coast and waterways. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels could lead to more frequent and severe flood events. Bushfires also pose a threat, especially during the dry summer months. The surrounding bushland provides fuel for fires, and hotter temperatures and drier conditions increase the risk of ignition and spread.
Heatwaves are becoming more common and intense, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations. Coastal erosion is already a problem in some areas of Crescent Head, and sea level rise is expected to accelerate this process, threatening beaches, infrastructure, and coastal ecosystems.
Addressing these climate risks will require a coordinated effort from local government, residents, and businesses. This includes implementing adaptation measures such as improving drainage infrastructure, managing vegetation to reduce bushfire risk, and protecting coastal areas from erosion. It also involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change.
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
Kempsey Shire Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Crescent Head?
The main climate change risks for Crescent Head include flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These risks are expected to increase in the coming decades due to climate change.
How will sea level rise affect Crescent Head?
Sea level rise is expected to exacerbate coastal erosion and increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas of Crescent Head. This could threaten beaches, infrastructure, and coastal ecosystems.
What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Crescent Head?
To prepare for heatwaves, it is important to stay hydrated, stay cool, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members, and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of heat stress.
Where can I find information about bushfire risks in Crescent Head?
Information about bushfire risks in Crescent Head can be found on the NSW Rural Fire Service website and the Kempsey Shire Council website.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Crescent Head?
Kempsey Shire Council is developing and implementing strategies to address climate change, including improving drainage infrastructure, managing vegetation to reduce bushfire risk, and protecting coastal areas from erosion. Check their website for details.
Are there any government grants available for climate adaptation measures?
Yes, both state and federal governments offer grants for climate adaptation and resilience projects. Check the websites of relevant government agencies for current grant opportunities.
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