Climate Risk in Goonellabah, NSW
Goonellabah faces moderate climate risks, primarily related to flooding and heatwaves. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and take steps to mitigate their impact.
Is Goonellabah Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Goonellabah, 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 Goonellabah
Flood
Goonellabah faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Wilsons River and surrounding waterways. Historical flood events and projected increases in rainfall intensity contribute to this risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Proximity to waterways
Bushfire
The risk of bushfire in Goonellabah is moderate, influenced by nearby bushland and dry conditions during certain times of the year. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could exacerbate this risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Dry vegetation
Heat
Goonellabah is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Goonellabah is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.
Key drivers:
- ·Inland location
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Goonellabah
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
Goonellabah is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Goonellabah faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Wilsons River and surrounding waterways. Historical flood events and projected increases in rainfall intensity contribute to this risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Proximity to waterways
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Goonellabah is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·Inland location
bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfire in Goonellabah is moderate, influenced by nearby bushland and dry conditions during certain times of the year. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could exacerbate this risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Wind patterns
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
- 3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on property value and comfort.
- 4.Review insurance options and costs.
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 flood mitigation infrastructure, such as levees and improved drainage systems, to protect properties from flood damage.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreEnhance Bushfire Preparedness
Near-termImplement bushfire risk reduction measures, such as clearing vegetation around properties and developing community evacuation plans.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreDevelop a Heatwave Management Plan
ImmediateCreate a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Low
Learn morePromote Water Conservation
Long-termEncourage water conservation measures to reduce water stress during droughts and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Goonellabah's Climate Risk Profile
Goonellabah, located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, is susceptible to a range of climate-related hazards. The most significant risk is flooding, due to its proximity to the Wilsons River and other waterways. Historical flood events have caused significant damage in the area, 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 can provide fuel for fires, and changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could increase the likelihood of bushfires. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and have a plan in place in case of a fire.
Heatwaves are another growing threat, with rising average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events projected for the region. This can pose a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. It is important to stay hydrated, seek shade, and take other precautions during heatwaves.
While Goonellabah is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader region is vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion. These impacts could have indirect effects on Goonellabah, such as disruptions to transportation and supply chains. Adapting to climate change will require a coordinated effort from individuals, businesses, and government agencies.
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
Lismore City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Goonellabah?
The main climate change risks in Goonellabah are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change.
How can I prepare my property for flooding?
You can prepare your property for flooding by elevating appliances, installing flood barriers, and ensuring that your property is properly insured.
What should I do during a heatwave?
During a heatwave, it is important to stay hydrated, seek shade, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
Where can I find information about bushfire safety?
You can find information about bushfire safety on the NSW Rural Fire Service website (https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/).
What is the Lismore City Council doing to address climate change?
Lismore City Council is developing and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Visit their website for more information (https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/).
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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