Climate Risk in Erowal Bay, New South Wales

Erowal Bay, New South Wales· Shoalhaven· 2540
Updated May 2026

Erowal Bay is a suburb in New South Wales that faces moderate climate risks, particularly from bushfires, flooding, heatwaves and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Is Erowal Bay Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Erowal Bay, 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 Erowal Bay

Flood

Erowal Bay faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall and potential riverine overflow. The risk is exacerbated by low-lying areas and proximity to waterways.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise

Bushfire

The suburb is at a high risk of bushfires due to its proximity to bushland and prevailing dry conditions during summer. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions

Heat

Erowal Bay experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Coastal

Erowal Bay faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. The low-lying coastal areas are particularly vulnerable.

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 Erowal Bay

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Erowal Bay experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

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

flood Risk

Erowal Bay faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall and potential riverine overflow. The risk is exacerbated by low-lying areas and proximity to waterways.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development
Data source

coastal Risk

Erowal Bay faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. The low-lying coastal areas are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge
  • ·Coastal erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

The suburb is at a high risk of bushfires due to its proximity to bushland and prevailing dry conditions during summer. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to sea level rise and coastal erosion.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.

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 Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as clearing vegetation around properties and developing evacuation plans.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance Flood Resilience

Near-term

Elevate homes in flood-prone areas, improve drainage infrastructure, and implement early warning systems.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Reduce Heat Island Effect

Near-term

Increase green spaces, plant trees, and use reflective building materials to reduce urban heat.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Protect Coastal Areas

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to mitigate erosion and inundation.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Immediate

Conduct workshops and distribute information to educate residents about climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Erowal Bay's Climate Risk Profile

Erowal Bay, nestled in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's proximity to bushland elevates the risk of bushfires, especially during dry and hot summer months. Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns contribute to drier vegetation, increasing the likelihood of fire ignition and spread.

Flooding is another significant concern for Erowal Bay. Heavy rainfall events can lead to flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and near waterways. Sea level rise further compounds the flood risk, increasing the potential for coastal inundation during storms and high tides.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing health risks to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The urban environment can exacerbate the heat island effect, leading to higher temperatures in built-up areas.

Coastal erosion and inundation are also threats to Erowal Bay, with sea level rise gradually eroding shorelines and increasing the risk of damage to coastal properties and infrastructure. Proactive adaptation measures are essential to mitigate these risks and protect the community.

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 in Erowal Bay?

Erowal Bay faces risks from bushfires, flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards, all of which are expected to worsen with climate change.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires?

Clear vegetation around your home, have a bushfire survival plan, and ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.

What should I do during a flood?

Stay informed about flood warnings, move to higher ground if necessary, and avoid driving through floodwaters.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

Shoalhaven City Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies, including improving infrastructure and raising community awareness.

Will sea levels affect my property in Erowal Bay?

Properties in low-lying coastal areas are at risk from sea level rise. Check the council's coastal hazard maps for detailed information.

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 Erowal Bay, 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 Assessment for Erowal Bay, NSW | ClimateNest