Climate Risk in Kempsey, New South Wales
Kempsey faces notable climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Is Kempsey Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Kempsey, 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 Kempsey
Flood
Kempsey is located on the Macleay River floodplain and has a history of significant flooding. 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 affecting river discharge
Bushfire
Areas around Kempsey are susceptible to bushfires, particularly during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the length and severity of the fire season.
Key drivers:
- ·Higher temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Kempsey is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. 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 extreme heat events
Coastal
Kempsey is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal hazards. However, sea level rise may affect the lower reaches of the Macleay River.
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 Kempsey
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
Kempsey is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. 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 extreme heat events
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Kempsey is located on the Macleay River floodplain and has a history of significant flooding. 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 affecting river discharge
- ·Changes in catchment hydrology
coastal Risk
Kempsey is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal hazards. However, sea level rise may affect the lower reaches of the Macleay River.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge
bushfire Risk
Areas around Kempsey are susceptible to bushfires, particularly during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the length and severity of the fire season.
Primary Drivers
- ·Higher temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Increased fuel load
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the high flood risk.
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 bushfire risk and prepare a bushfire survival plan.
- 3.Consider the potential impacts of heatwaves.
- 4.Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
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 infrastructure to protect Kempsey from flooding, such as levees and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop a heatwave management plan
Near-termImplement strategies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, such as cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreReduce bushfire risk
Near-termImplement fuel reduction programs and improve bushfire preparedness in the community.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreRaise awareness of climate risks
Long-termEducate the community about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Kempsey's Climate Risk Profile
Kempsey, located in the Macleay Valley, is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its position on the Macleay River floodplain. Historical flood events have caused significant damage to property and infrastructure. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk, with projections indicating more intense rainfall events and higher river levels.
Bushfire risk is also a concern, especially in areas surrounding the town that are close to bushland. Hotter and drier conditions are expected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfires in the region. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and have a plan in place.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations. It is important to stay hydrated, seek shade, and avoid strenuous activity during periods of extreme heat.
While Kempsey is not directly on the coast, sea level rise may affect the lower reaches of the Macleay River, potentially increasing flood risk. The council is working to develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build resilience in the community.
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
Kempsey Shire Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Kempsey?
The main climate change risks in Kempsey are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to climate change.
How can I prepare for flooding in Kempsey?
You can prepare for flooding by checking flood maps, having a flood plan, and ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage. It is also important to stay informed about weather warnings and follow the advice of emergency services.
What should I do during a heatwave in Kempsey?
During a heatwave, it is important to stay hydrated, seek shade, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbors and friends, and consider visiting a cooling center if you do not have access to air conditioning.
How can I reduce my bushfire risk in Kempsey?
You can reduce your bushfire risk by maintaining your property to reduce fuel loads, having a bushfire survival plan, and staying informed about fire danger ratings. It is also important to follow the advice of the NSW Rural Fire Service.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Kempsey?
The Kempsey Shire Council is working to develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build resilience in the community. This includes investing in flood defenses, developing a heatwave management plan, and raising awareness of climate risks.
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 Kempsey, 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