Climate Risk Profile: Lake Cathie, NSW
Lake Cathie is a coastal suburb in New South Wales that faces several climate-related risks. The suburb is particularly vulnerable to flooding, coastal erosion, and heatwaves. Residents should take steps to prepare for these risks.
Is Lake Cathie Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Lake Cathie, 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 Lake Cathie
Flood
Lake Cathie is susceptible to flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to Lake Cathie. Heavy rainfall events can lead to inundation of properties and infrastructure.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
Lake Cathie has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Lake Cathie is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Lake Cathie faces coastal risks due to its proximity to the ocean and Lake Cathie. Sea level rise and storm surges can lead to coastal erosion and inundation.
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 Lake Cathie
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
Lake Cathie is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Lake Cathie is susceptible to flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to Lake Cathie. Heavy rainfall events can lead to inundation of properties and infrastructure.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Lake Cathie faces coastal risks due to its proximity to the ocean and Lake Cathie. Sea level rise and storm surges can lead to coastal erosion and inundation.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
bushfire Risk
Lake Cathie has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Strong winds
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increasing risk of flooding and coastal erosion.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value as climate risks become more apparent.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
- 3.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise on coastal properties.
- 4.Review insurance coverage and premiums.
- 5.Understand 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
Upgrade Flood Defenses
Near-termInvest in infrastructure to protect properties from flooding, such as levees, seawalls, and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImplement Bushfire Management Strategies
ImmediateReduce bushfire risk by clearing vegetation around properties, creating firebreaks, and developing community bushfire plans.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreDevelop Heatwave Response Plan
Near-termEstablish a heatwave early warning system and provide support for vulnerable residents during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreProtect Coastal Areas
Long-termImplement coastal protection measures, such as beach nourishment and dune restoration, to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Est. cost: High
Learn morePromote Water Conservation
Near-termEncourage water conservation practices to reduce water demand during droughts and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Lake Cathie's Climate Risk Profile
Lake Cathie, located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, is a picturesque coastal community known for its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle. However, like many coastal areas, Lake Cathie is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
One of the most significant risks facing Lake Cathie is flooding. The suburb's low-lying topography and proximity to Lake Cathie and the ocean make it susceptible to both riverine and coastal flooding. Heavy rainfall events, combined with rising sea levels, can lead to inundation of properties and infrastructure, causing significant damage and disruption.
Bushfire risk is also a concern for Lake Cathie residents. The surrounding bushland creates a potential fire hazard, particularly during hot, dry periods. Climate change is expected to exacerbate bushfire risk by increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
In addition to flooding and bushfires, Lake Cathie is also experiencing the effects of rising temperatures. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations. The increasing heat can also impact local ecosystems and infrastructure.
Coastal erosion is another significant challenge for Lake Cathie. Rising sea levels and more frequent storm surges are contributing to the erosion of beaches and foreshores, threatening coastal properties and infrastructure. Protecting the coastline is crucial for maintaining the suburb's natural beauty and economic viability.
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
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Lake Cathie?
Lake Cathie faces significant risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion due to climate change.
How is the council preparing for climate change?
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to address the risks facing the community.
What can I do to protect my property from flooding?
You can take steps to flood-proof your home, such as raising electrical outlets, installing flood barriers, and ensuring proper drainage.
How can I prepare for a bushfire?
Prepare a bushfire survival plan, clear vegetation around your home, and have a well-stocked emergency kit.
What should I do during a heatwave?
Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Lake Cathie?
You can find more information on the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council website, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.
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