Climate Risk in Forbes, NSW
Forbes is a regional town in New South Wales that faces increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves due to climate change. While bushfire risk is present, it is less severe than flooding and heat. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Is Forbes Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Forbes, 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 Forbes
Flood
Forbes is located on the Lachlan River floodplain and has a history of significant flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, leading to a higher risk of flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Rising river levels
Bushfire
While Forbes is primarily surrounded by agricultural land, there are areas of bushland nearby that pose a bushfire risk. Hotter, drier conditions due to climate change are expected to increase the risk of bushfires in the region.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier vegetation
Heat
Forbes experiences hot summers, and climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves. This will increase the risk of heat stress and heatstroke, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·More frequent heatwaves
Coastal
Forbes is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal hazards. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Forbes
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
Forbes experiences hot summers, and climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves. This will increase the risk of heat stress and heatstroke, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·More frequent heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Forbes is located on the Lachlan River floodplain and has a history of significant flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, leading to a higher risk of flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Rising river levels
- ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure
coastal Risk
Forbes is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal hazards. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.
Data sourcebushfire Risk
While Forbes is primarily surrounded by agricultural land, there are areas of bushland nearby that pose a bushfire risk. Hotter, drier conditions due to climate change are expected to increase the risk of bushfires in the region.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier vegetation
- ·Stronger winds
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increased risk of flooding and other extreme weather events.
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 vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
- 3.Consider the cost of insurance and potential increases in premiums.
- 4.Inquire about council plans for flood mitigation and emergency management.
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
ImmediateInvest in infrastructure to protect properties from flooding, such as levees, flood barriers, and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop a Heatwave Management Plan
Near-termImplement a plan to protect vulnerable populations from heat stress during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public education.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreEnhance Bushfire Preparedness
Near-termImplement measures to reduce the risk of bushfires, such as clearing vegetation around properties and conducting controlled burns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreUpgrade Water Infrastructure
Long-termInvest in water infrastructure to ensure a reliable water supply during droughts and heatwaves.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreAbout Forbes's Climate Risk Profile
Forbes is situated on the Lachlan River floodplain, making it particularly vulnerable to flooding. Historical flood events have caused significant damage to property and infrastructure. Climate change projections indicate that rainfall intensity will increase, leading to a higher risk of flooding in the future.
In addition to flooding, Forbes is also expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Rising average temperatures will increase the risk of heat stress and heatstroke, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
While bushfire risk is present in the surrounding areas, it is less severe than flooding and heatwaves. However, hotter, drier conditions due to climate change are expected to increase the risk of bushfires in the region.
It is important for residents of Forbes to take steps to prepare for the impacts of climate change. This includes developing emergency plans, investing in flood mitigation measures, and taking precautions to protect themselves from heat stress.
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
Forbes Shire Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Forbes?
The main climate change risks in Forbes are flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. Flooding is a significant concern due to the town's location on the Lachlan River floodplain. Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense, and bushfire risk is also projected to increase.
How will climate change affect property values in Forbes?
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value due to the increased risk of flooding. Insurance premiums are also likely to increase, which could affect property affordability.
What is the council doing to address climate change?
Forbes Shire Council is developing and implementing strategies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. These strategies include investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, developing a heatwave management plan, and enhancing bushfire preparedness.
How can I prepare my home for flooding?
There are several steps you can take to prepare your home for flooding, including raising electrical appliances, installing flood barriers, and developing an emergency plan.
What should I do during a heatwave?
During a heatwave, it is important to stay cool, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members, and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of heat stress.
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 Forbes, use our analysis tool.
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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