Climate Risk Profile: Harwood, NSW
Harwood is a suburb in the Clarence Valley of New South Wales that faces moderate climate risks, particularly from flooding and heatwaves. Climate change is projected to increase the severity of these risks in the coming decades. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Is Harwood Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Harwood, 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 Harwood
Flood
Harwood faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Clarence River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
The risk of bushfire in Harwood is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a potential threat during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfire weather.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Harwood is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
As a coastal community, Harwood is exposed to the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, threatening infrastructure and property.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Harwood
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
Harwood is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Harwood faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Clarence River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Riverine flooding
coastal Risk
As a coastal community, Harwood is exposed to the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, threatening infrastructure and property.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge
- ·Coastal erosion
bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfire in Harwood is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a potential threat during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfire weather.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Increased fuel load
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increasing risk of flooding and other climate-related 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 bushfire.
- 3.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise.
- 4.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
- 5.Evaluate the property's energy efficiency.
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 levees, drainage improvements, and early warning systems to reduce the impact of flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreEnhance Bushfire Preparedness
Near-termImplement bushfire mitigation measures, such as vegetation management and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreDevelop Heatwave Response Plan
ImmediateEstablish a heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn morePlan for Sea Level Rise
Long-termDevelop a long-term plan to adapt to sea level rise, including protecting coastal infrastructure and managing coastal erosion.
Est. cost: High
Learn morePromote Water Conservation
Near-termEncourage water conservation measures to reduce water demand during droughts and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Harwood's Climate Risk Profile
Harwood, located in the Clarence Valley of New South Wales, is a community that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's proximity to the Clarence River makes it particularly susceptible to flooding, while rising temperatures and heatwaves pose a threat to public health. Sea level rise and coastal erosion also present challenges for the community.
The risk of flooding in Harwood is expected to increase as climate change leads to more intense rainfall events. This could result in damage to property, disruption to infrastructure, and displacement of residents. The local council is working to improve flood management strategies, but further action is needed to protect the community.
Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves are another significant concern for Harwood. These events can put a strain on the electricity grid, increase the risk of bushfires, and lead to heat-related illnesses and deaths. It is important for residents to take steps to protect themselves during heatwaves, such as staying hydrated and seeking air-conditioned environments.
Sea level rise and coastal erosion are also threats to Harwood, particularly in low-lying areas. These impacts could damage infrastructure, erode beaches, and inundate coastal properties. The local council is working to assess the risks and develop adaptation strategies, but further research and investment are needed.
Overall, Harwood faces a range of climate change risks that require a coordinated response from the community, local council, and state government. By taking action to reduce emissions and adapt to the changing climate, Harwood can build a more resilient and sustainable future.
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
Clarence Valley Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks facing Harwood?
Harwood faces significant risks from flooding, heatwaves, bushfires, and sea level rise due to climate change.
How is the local council addressing climate change?
The Clarence Valley Council is developing climate adaptation strategies and working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What can I do to prepare for flooding in Harwood?
You can prepare for flooding by developing a flood plan, purchasing flood insurance, and staying informed about flood warnings.
How can I protect myself during a heatwave?
During a heatwave, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and avoid strenuous activity.
What is the long-term outlook for Harwood in terms of climate change?
The long-term outlook for Harwood is uncertain, but climate change is expected to exacerbate existing risks and create new challenges.
Where can I find more information about climate change in Harwood?
You can find more information about climate change in Harwood on the Clarence Valley Council website and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website.
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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