Climate Risk in Koonawarra, NSW
Koonawarra is a suburb in the City of Wollongong, NSW, that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are flooding from Lake Illawarra and creeks, increasing heatwaves, and potential coastal impacts from sea level rise. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Is Koonawarra Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Koonawarra, 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 Koonawarra
Flood
Koonawarra faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Lake Illawarra and several creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development reducing permeable surfaces
Bushfire
Bushfire risk in Koonawarra is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of fire spread.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Heat
Koonawarra is experiencing an increasing number of hot days and heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Koonawarra faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to Lake Illawarra. Sea level rise and storm surges could lead to inundation and erosion.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Koonawarra
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
Koonawarra is experiencing an increasing number of hot days and heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Koonawarra faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Lake Illawarra and several creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development reducing permeable surfaces
coastal Risk
Koonawarra faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to Lake Illawarra. Sea level rise and storm surges could lead to inundation and erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
bushfire Risk
Bushfire risk in Koonawarra is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of fire spread.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased climate risks.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone land maps.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Consider potential impacts of sea level rise.
- 4.Obtain a building inspection report.
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 stormwater drainage
Near-termUpgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure to increase capacity and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreImplement heatwave early warning system
ImmediateDevelop and implement a heatwave early warning system to alert vulnerable populations and provide guidance on how to stay safe.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreProtect coastal areas
Long-termImplement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and storm surges.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreBushfire preparedness
Near-termPrepare your property for bushfire season by clearing gutters, trimming trees, and creating a firebreak.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Koonawarra's Climate Risk Profile
Koonawarra, located in the City of Wollongong, is susceptible to a range of climate-related hazards. Its proximity to Lake Illawarra and several waterways makes it vulnerable to flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk, with more intense rainfall events predicted for the region.
The suburb also faces increasing heatwave frequency and intensity. Rising temperatures pose a significant threat to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban environment can further amplify the heat island effect, making conditions even more challenging.
Coastal hazards are another concern for Koonawarra. Sea level rise and storm surges could lead to inundation of low-lying areas and increased erosion along the lake foreshore. Planning and adaptation measures are crucial to mitigate these risks and protect coastal assets.
Bushfire risk is present, especially in areas bordering bushland. While not as severe as other hazards, residents should remain vigilant and prepared for potential fire threats, particularly during dry periods. Implementing appropriate fire safety measures and maintaining vegetation around properties can help reduce the risk of fire damage.
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
City of Wollongong
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Koonawarra?
The main climate change risks in Koonawarra are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards.
How will climate change affect property values in Koonawarra?
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased climate risks.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Koonawarra?
The City of Wollongong is implementing a range of measures to address climate change, including upgrading stormwater drainage, developing a heatwave early warning system, and protecting coastal areas.
How can I prepare my home for a flood in Koonawarra?
You can prepare your home for a flood by raising electrical outlets, installing flood barriers, and having an emergency plan.
What should I do during a heatwave in Koonawarra?
During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned buildings, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity.
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 Koonawarra, 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