Climate Risk in East Kempsey, New South Wales

East Kempsey, New South Wales
Updated May 2026

East Kempsey faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events. Residents should prepare for potential disruptions and take steps to mitigate their exposure.

Is East Kempsey Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for East Kempsey, 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 East Kempsey

Flood

East Kempsey faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Macleay River and low-lying areas. Historical flood events indicate vulnerability, and climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise affecting riverine flooding

Bushfire

The risk of bushfires in East Kempsey is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a potential threat during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire weather.

Key drivers:

  • ·Higher temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions

Heat

East Kempsey is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Coastal

East Kempsey is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from the coast

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for East Kempsey

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

East Kempsey is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Primary Drivers

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

flood Risk

East Kempsey faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Macleay River and low-lying areas. Historical flood events indicate vulnerability, and climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise affecting riverine flooding
  • ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure
Data source

coastal Risk

East Kempsey is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from the coast
Data source

bushfire Risk

The risk of bushfires in East Kempsey is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a potential threat during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire weather.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Higher temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased fuel load
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the elevated flood risk.

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 the property's bushfire risk.
  • 3.Inquire about council plans for climate adaptation.
  • 4.Consider the potential impact of climate change on insurance premiums.

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

Immediate

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees, improved drainage systems, and flood-proofing of buildings.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire management strategies, including controlled burns, vegetation clearing, and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Near-term

Create a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public health advice.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Strengthen Emergency Response Capacity

Immediate

Ensure that emergency services are adequately equipped and trained to respond to climate-related disasters.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About East Kempsey's Climate Risk Profile

East Kempsey, located in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, is vulnerable to several climate-related hazards. The most significant risk is flooding, due to the suburb's proximity to the Macleay River. Historical flood events have caused significant damage to property and infrastructure, and climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating this risk.

Bushfire risk is also a concern, particularly during dry periods. The surrounding bushland provides ample fuel for fires, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire weather. Residents should be aware of the risks and take steps to prepare their properties.

Heatwaves are another growing concern for East Kempsey. Climate change is projected to increase average temperatures and the frequency of extreme heat events. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

While coastal hazards are less of a direct threat due to the suburb's inland location, changes in sea level and storm patterns could indirectly affect the region through riverine flooding. It is important for residents to stay informed about these risks and take appropriate precautions.

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 change risks for East Kempsey?

The main climate change risks for East Kempsey are increased flooding, bushfire risk, and heatwave frequency.

How will climate change affect property values in East Kempsey?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased flood risk.

What can I do to prepare my home for flooding?

You can flood-proof your home by raising electrical outlets, installing a sump pump, and sealing foundation cracks.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity.

Where can I find more information about climate change in East Kempsey?

You can find more information about climate change in East Kempsey on the Kempsey Shire Council website and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment 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 East Kempsey, 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