Climate Risk in Illawong, NSW
Illawong faces a medium overall climate risk, primarily driven by increasing flood and heat risks. The suburb's proximity to the Georges River and bushland areas contributes to these vulnerabilities. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Is Illawong Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Illawong, 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 Illawong
Flood
Illawong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Georges River and local creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development reducing natural drainage
Bushfire
Bushfire risk in Illawong is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Heat
Illawong is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Coastal risk in Illawong is low. While the suburb is near the coast, it is not directly exposed to significant coastal erosion or sea level rise impacts.
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 Illawong
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
Illawong is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Illawong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Georges River and local creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development reducing natural drainage
coastal Risk
Coastal risk in Illawong is low. While the suburb is near the coast, it is not directly exposed to significant coastal erosion or sea level rise impacts.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge
bushfire Risk
Bushfire risk in Illawong is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in areas prone to flooding and bushfires.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
- 3.Obtain insurance quotes and understand coverage.
- 4.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.
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 improved drainage systems and flood barriers.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreBushfire Preparedness
ImmediateImplement bushfire management strategies, including vegetation clearing and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreHeatwave Action Plan
Near-termDevelop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreSustainable Urban Planning
Long-termPromote sustainable urban planning practices to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve water management.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Illawong's Climate Risk Profile
Illawong, located in the Sutherland Shire, is susceptible to several climate-related risks. The most significant threat is flooding, due to its location near the Georges River and local creeks. Increased rainfall intensity, driven by climate change, is expected to exacerbate this risk, leading to more frequent and severe flood events.
Bushfire risk is also a concern, particularly for properties bordering bushland. Hotter, drier conditions increase the likelihood of bushfires, posing a threat to homes and infrastructure. Residents should maintain their properties and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect can further amplify temperatures in built-up areas. It is important to stay hydrated and seek shelter during heatwaves.
While coastal risks are relatively low, sea level rise and increased storm surge could pose a threat in the long term. Planning for these potential impacts is essential to ensure the suburb's resilience.
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
Sutherland Shire Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks facing Illawong?
The main climate risks facing Illawong are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected 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 clearing gutters and downpipes, raising electrical appliances, and having an evacuation plan.
What should I do during a heatwave?
During a heatwave, stay hydrated, seek shelter in air-conditioned buildings, and avoid strenuous activities.
Where can I find information about bushfire safety?
You can find information about bushfire safety on the NSW Rural Fire Service website.
How is Sutherland Shire Council addressing climate change?
Sutherland Shire Council is developing and implementing climate change strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Get your property's risk report
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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