Climate Risk Profile: Freeburn Island, NSW

Freeburn Island, New South Wales
Updated May 2026

Freeburn Island faces increasing climate risks, particularly from flooding, heatwaves and coastal hazards. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and consider long-term adaptation strategies.

Is Freeburn Island Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Freeburn Island, 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 Freeburn Island

Flood

Freeburn Island faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise

Bushfire

Bushfire risk is relatively low in Freeburn Island due to limited vegetation and distance from large bushland areas. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could elevate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions

Heat

Freeburn Island is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer months.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

As an island, Freeburn Island is exposed to coastal erosion and sea level rise. These factors threaten infrastructure and natural habitats.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

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Social

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Energy

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In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Freeburn Island

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Freeburn Island is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer months.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Freeburn Island faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Low-lying topography
Data source

coastal Risk

As an island, Freeburn Island is exposed to coastal erosion and sea level rise. These factors threaten infrastructure and natural habitats.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

Bushfire risk is relatively low in Freeburn Island due to limited vegetation and distance from large bushland areas. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could elevate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Wind patterns
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the rising risk of flooding and coastal erosion.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider the long-term climate risks and potential impacts on property value.

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

Upgrade flood defenses

Near-term

Invest in seawalls, levees, and drainage systems to protect coastal areas and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a heatwave management plan

Immediate

Implement strategies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, such as establishing cooling centers and providing public health advice.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents to conserve water through education campaigns and incentives for water-efficient appliances.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Relocate vulnerable infrastructure

Long-term

Consider relocating critical infrastructure away from high-risk coastal areas to reduce the impact of sea level rise and erosion.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Improve building codes

Near-term

Update building codes to ensure new construction is resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Freeburn Island's Climate Risk Profile

Freeburn Island, located in New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding due to rising sea levels and increased rainfall intensity, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and coastal erosion.

The island's low-lying topography makes it particularly susceptible to flooding. Climate change projections indicate that rainfall events will become more intense, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding and riverine flooding. Sea level rise will further exacerbate these risks, potentially inundating coastal areas and damaging infrastructure.

Heatwaves are also a growing concern. As global temperatures rise, Freeburn Island is expected to experience more days above critical temperature thresholds. This poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Coastal erosion is another significant challenge. Rising sea levels and more frequent storm surges are eroding the island's coastline, threatening homes, businesses, and natural habitats. Long-term planning and adaptation measures are essential to mitigate these risks.

Addressing these climate challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing adaptation strategies, and raising community awareness. By taking proactive steps, Freeburn Island can build resilience and protect its residents and environment from the worst impacts 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Freeburn Island?

The main climate change risks for Freeburn Island include flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. Rising sea levels and increased rainfall intensity are expected to exacerbate flood risk, while rising temperatures will lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves. Coastal erosion threatens homes, businesses, and natural habitats.

How will climate change affect property values on Freeburn Island?

Properties in low-lying areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased flood risk. Coastal properties are also vulnerable to erosion, which could further impact property values. It is important to consider these risks when buying or selling property on Freeburn Island.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change?

Residents can take several steps to prepare for climate change, including upgrading flood defenses, developing a heatwave management plan, conserving water, and relocating vulnerable infrastructure. It is also important to stay informed about climate risks and take proactive steps to protect your home and family.

Is Freeburn Island doing anything to address climate change?

While specific climate action plans for Freeburn Island are unknown, the NSW government has various climate change policies and programs in place. Residents can advocate for local climate action and support initiatives that promote sustainability and resilience.

Where can I find more information about climate change risks in my area?

You can find more information about climate change risks in your area from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), CSIRO, and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. These organizations provide data, projections, and resources to help you understand and prepare for climate change impacts.

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 Freeburn Island, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Freeburn Island's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

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