Climate Risk in Greenwell Point, NSW

Greenwell Point, New South Wales
Updated May 2026

Greenwell Point faces a number of climate-related risks, particularly from flooding and coastal inundation. Rising sea levels and increased rainfall intensity are key drivers of these risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent and severe weather events.

Is Greenwell Point Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Greenwell Point, 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 Greenwell Point

Flood

Greenwell Point is highly susceptible to flooding due to its low elevation and proximity to the Crookhaven River. Riverine and flash flooding are both potential concerns.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity

Bushfire

Bushfire risk in Greenwell Point is moderate. While not directly surrounded by dense bushland, the presence of nearby vegetation and prevailing winds contribute to the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures

Heat

Greenwell Point experiences moderately high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. The aging population is particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Coastal

Greenwell Point is vulnerable to coastal inundation and erosion due to its low-lying coastal location. Sea level rise poses a significant threat to infrastructure and property.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

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Energy

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In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Greenwell Point

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Greenwell Point experiences moderately high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. The aging population is particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

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

flood Risk

Greenwell Point is highly susceptible to flooding due to its low elevation and proximity to the Crookhaven River. Riverine and flash flooding are both potential concerns.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Storm surge
Data source

coastal Risk

Greenwell Point is vulnerable to coastal inundation and erosion due to its low-lying coastal location. Sea level rise poses a significant threat to infrastructure and property.

Primary Drivers

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

bushfire Risk

Bushfire risk in Greenwell Point is moderate. While not directly surrounded by dense bushland, the presence of nearby vegetation and prevailing winds contribute to the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Strong winds
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums are likely to increase due to flood and coastal risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and prepare a survival plan.
  • 3.Consider the potential impacts of sea level rise.
  • 4.Inquire about council plans for climate adaptation.

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

Construct seawalls and levees to protect low-lying areas from coastal inundation and riverine flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Improve drainage systems to reduce the risk of flash flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a Bushfire Management Plan

Near-term

Implement a comprehensive bushfire management plan, including hazard reduction burns and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Establish a Heatwave Response Plan

Immediate

Develop a heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events, including cooling centers and community outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Relocate Critical Infrastructure

Long-term

Relocate critical infrastructure, such as the power station and hospital, away from high-risk coastal areas.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

About Greenwell Point's Climate Risk Profile

Greenwell Point, located on the NSW South Coast, is a charming coastal village known for its fishing and natural beauty. However, its low-lying position makes it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Flooding is a major concern, with the Crookhaven River posing a significant risk of riverine flooding. Flash flooding is also possible during periods of intense rainfall. Sea level rise exacerbates these risks, increasing the likelihood of coastal inundation and erosion.

Bushfire risk is moderate, with nearby vegetation posing a potential threat. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk of bushfires spreading to the village.

Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves are also a concern, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Coastal erosion is an ongoing issue, threatening infrastructure and property along the shoreline.

Addressing these climate risks will require a coordinated effort from residents, local government, and state agencies. Adaptation measures such as improved drainage, seawalls, and bushfire management are essential to protect the community and its assets.

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 facing Greenwell Point?

Greenwell Point is primarily at risk from flooding, coastal inundation, and heatwaves. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity are key drivers of these risks.

How will climate change affect property values in Greenwell Point?

Properties in high-risk areas, such as those prone to flooding or coastal erosion, may experience price reductions. Insurance premiums are also likely to increase.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Greenwell Point?

Shoalhaven City Council is developing climate adaptation plans and investing in infrastructure upgrades to reduce the impacts of climate change. Specific details are not available online.

How can I prepare my home for flooding in Greenwell Point?

You can raise your home above flood level, install flood barriers, and ensure your property is properly insured. Check the council's website for flood maps and advice.

What should I do during a heatwave in Greenwell Point?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Cooling centers may be activated during heatwaves.

Where can I find information about bushfire risks in Greenwell Point?

The NSW Rural Fire Service website provides information about bushfire risks, fire danger ratings, and bushfire survival plans.

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 Greenwell Point, 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 in Greenwell Point, NSW | ClimateNest