Climate Risk in Lake Illawarra, NSW
Lake Illawarra faces a number of climate-related risks, including flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to climate change. Residents should take steps to prepare for these risks and adapt to the changing climate.
Is Lake Illawarra Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Lake Illawarra, 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 Illawarra
Flood
Lake Illawarra is at significant risk of flooding due to its low-lying topography and proximity to Lake Illawarra and surrounding waterways. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels are expected to exacerbate this risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
Lake Illawarra faces a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires spreading to residential areas.
Key drivers:
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Hot, dry conditions
Heat
Lake Illawarra is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This can pose a significant 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 Illawarra is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to rising sea levels and storm surges. This can damage property and infrastructure, and displace residents.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Lake Illawarra
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 Illawarra is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This can pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Reduced vegetation cover
flood Risk
Lake Illawarra is at significant risk of flooding due to its low-lying topography and proximity to Lake Illawarra and surrounding waterways. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels are expected to exacerbate this risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Low-lying topography
- ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure
coastal Risk
Lake Illawarra is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to rising sea levels and storm surges. This can damage property and infrastructure, and displace residents.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
- ·Coastal erosion
- ·Land subsidence
bushfire Risk
Lake Illawarra faces a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires spreading to residential areas.
Primary Drivers
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Hot, dry conditions
- ·Strong winds
- ·Fuel load
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increasing risk of flooding and coastal hazards.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to climate change impacts.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
- 2.Assess bushfire risk and building standards.
- 3.Consider the potential impacts of sea level rise.
- 4.Inquire about council plans for climate adaptation.
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 drainage infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems to better manage stormwater runoff and reduce the risk of flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreStrengthen coastal defenses
Long-termConstruct seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect against erosion and inundation.
Est. cost: Very High
Learn moreImplement heatwave early warning system
ImmediateDevelop a system to alert residents to impending heatwaves and provide advice on how to stay safe.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreRaise community awareness
Near-termEducate residents about climate change risks and how to prepare for extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreBushfire mitigation
Near-termUndertake regular bushfire risk reduction activities such as controlled burns and vegetation management.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Lake Illawarra's Climate Risk Profile
Lake Illawarra is a suburb located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia. It is situated on the shores of Lake Illawarra, a large coastal lagoon. The suburb is home to a diverse community and offers a range of amenities and services.
However, Lake Illawarra is also vulnerable to a number of climate-related risks. The suburb is low-lying and prone to flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. It is also located near bushland, which increases the risk of bushfires. In addition, Lake Illawarra is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future due to climate change.
Rising sea levels and storm surges also pose a threat to Lake Illawarra's coastal areas. These hazards can cause erosion, inundation, and damage to property and infrastructure. The impacts of climate change are expected to worsen in the coming decades, making it increasingly important for residents to take steps to prepare for these risks.
Adapting to climate change will require a coordinated effort from individuals, businesses, and government. This includes investing in infrastructure improvements, implementing land-use planning policies that reduce risk, and raising community awareness about climate change and its impacts. By working together, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for Lake Illawarra.
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
Wollongong City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks facing Lake Illawarra?
Lake Illawarra is primarily at risk from flooding, heatwaves, bushfires, and coastal erosion due to climate change.
How will rising sea levels affect Lake Illawarra?
Rising sea levels will increase the risk of coastal inundation and erosion, potentially damaging property and infrastructure along the lake foreshore.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Lake Illawarra?
Wollongong City Council is implementing a range of measures to address climate change, including upgrading drainage infrastructure, developing a heatwave early warning system, and raising community awareness.
How can I prepare my home for flooding in Lake Illawarra?
You can prepare your home for flooding by raising electrical outlets, installing flood barriers, and developing a flood emergency plan.
What should I do during a heatwave in Lake Illawarra?
During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity.
Where can I find information about bushfire risks in Lake Illawarra?
Information about bushfire risks in Lake Illawarra can be found on the NSW Rural Fire Service website.
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 Lake Illawarra, 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