Climate Risk in Harrington, NSW

Harrington, New South Wales· MidCoast Council· 2427
Updated May 2026

Harrington, NSW, faces moderate climate risks, particularly from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves and coastal hazards. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Is Harrington Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Harrington, 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 Harrington

Flood

Harrington faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Manning River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise

Bushfire

Harrington has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions

Heat

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

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Harrington is exposed to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise. This could impact coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Harrington

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

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

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Harrington faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Manning River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Riverine flooding
Data source

coastal Risk

Harrington is exposed to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise. This could impact coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Coastal erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

Harrington has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

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 coastal erosion.
  • 3.Consider the cost of insurance premiums.
  • 4.Evaluate the property's energy efficiency and cooling options.

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

Near-term

Invest in flood levees and drainage improvements to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as vegetation management and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Immediate

Develop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Coastal Management Strategy

Long-term

Develop a coastal management strategy to address the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Near-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Harrington's Climate Risk Profile

Harrington, located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's proximity to the Manning River and the coast makes it particularly susceptible to flooding and coastal erosion. Rising temperatures and drier conditions are also contributing to an elevated bushfire risk.

Flooding is a significant concern for Harrington. Increased rainfall intensity, driven by climate change, is likely to lead to more frequent and severe flood events. The low-lying areas of the suburb are especially vulnerable, and residents should be aware of flood risks and have appropriate preparedness plans in place.

Bushfire risk is also increasing in Harrington. Hotter, drier conditions are creating a more favorable environment for bushfires to ignite and spread. Residents should maintain their properties to reduce fuel loads and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Harrington. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Residents should take steps to stay cool during heatwaves, such as drinking plenty of water and spending time in air-conditioned environments.

Coastal erosion and inundation are also threats to Harrington. Sea level rise is expected to exacerbate these risks, potentially impacting coastal infrastructure and ecosystems. Long-term planning is needed to address these challenges.

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 Harrington?

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

How can I prepare my property for flooding in Harrington?

Check flood maps, elevate your home if possible, and have an evacuation plan in place.

What should I do during a heatwave in Harrington?

Stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and use air conditioning or fans to stay cool.

How is the council addressing climate change in Harrington?

MidCoast Council is developing climate strategies and implementing adaptation measures to protect the community.

Where can I find more information about bushfire safety in Harrington?

Visit the NSW Rural Fire Service website for information on bushfire preparedness and safety.

Is my property in Harrington at risk from coastal erosion?

Check with MidCoast Council to determine if your property is located in a coastal erosion zone.

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 Harrington, 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