Climate Risk Profile: Hay, NSW
Hay, NSW, faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. The risk of flooding is driven by its location near the Murrumbidgee River, while heatwave risks are increasing due to rising temperatures. Bushfire risk is relatively low, and coastal risks are negligible.
Is Hay Safe from Climate Risk?
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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 Hay
Flood
Hay faces a notable risk of flooding due to its location on the flat Riverine Plain and proximity to the Murrumbidgee River. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating this risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine flooding
Bushfire
The risk of bushfire in Hay is relatively low compared to other regions in NSW, but still present due to surrounding grasslands and agricultural areas. Hot, dry conditions during summer can increase the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Grassland fires
- ·Dry conditions
Heat
Hay experiences high temperatures during summer, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Hay is located far inland and does not face any direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Hay
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
Hay experiences high temperatures during summer, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect (minor)
flood Risk
Hay faces a notable risk of flooding due to its location on the flat Riverine Plain and proximity to the Murrumbidgee River. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating this risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine flooding
- ·Flat topography
coastal Risk
Hay is located far inland and does not face any direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.
Data sourcebushfire Risk
The risk of bushfire in Hay is relatively low compared to other regions in NSW, but still present due to surrounding grasslands and agricultural areas. Hot, dry conditions during summer can increase the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Grassland fires
- ·Dry conditions
- ·Agricultural land
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to flood risk.
Price Impact
Property values may be affected by increased flood risk and heatwave frequency.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Consider the potential impact of climate change on property value.
- 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.
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-termInvest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop a Heat Action Plan
ImmediateImplement a comprehensive heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreEnhance Bushfire Preparedness
Near-termImplement bushfire prevention measures, such as controlled burns and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn morePromote Water Conservation
Long-termEncourage water conservation measures to address potential water scarcity due to climate change.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Hay's Climate Risk Profile
Hay is a town located in the Riverina region of New South Wales, situated on the Murrumbidgee River. The region's climate is characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with relatively low rainfall. Climate change is expected to exacerbate existing environmental challenges, particularly in relation to flooding and heatwaves.
The primary climate risk for Hay is flooding. The town's location on the flat Riverine Plain makes it susceptible to riverine flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change projections indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, which could lead to more frequent and severe flooding in the future.
Heatwaves are another significant concern for Hay. The town already experiences high temperatures during summer, and climate change is expected to lead to even hotter conditions and more frequent heatwaves. This poses a risk to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Bushfire risk is relatively low in Hay compared to other parts of NSW, but it is still a factor to consider. The surrounding grasslands and agricultural areas can be prone to fire during hot, dry periods. It's important for residents to be aware of bushfire safety measures and to maintain their properties to reduce the risk of fire.
While Hay is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to agriculture and water resources, could have indirect consequences for the town and its economy.
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
Hay Shire Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Hay?
The main climate change risks for Hay are increased flooding due to its location on the Murrumbidgee River, and more frequent and intense heatwaves during summer.
How is the local council preparing for climate change?
Hay Shire Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to address the risks of flooding, heatwaves, and drought. This includes improving flood defenses, developing a heat action plan, and promoting water conservation.
What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves?
Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
What is the risk of bushfires in Hay?
The risk of bushfires in Hay is relatively low compared to other parts of NSW, but it is still a factor to consider. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and maintain their properties to reduce the risk of fire.
Where can I find more information about flood risks in Hay?
You can find more information about flood risks in Hay on the Hay Shire Council website, including flood maps and floodplain management 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 Hay, use our analysis tool.
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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