Climate Risk in Lewisham, NSW
Lewisham is a suburb in Sydney's Inner West, facing moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly in the coming decades. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Is Lewisham Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Lewisham, 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 Lewisham
Flood
Lewisham faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and potential inundation of properties.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urbanisation
Bushfire
The risk of bushfire in Lewisham is relatively low due to its urban environment and limited vegetation. However, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential concern during extreme weather conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Dry vegetation
Heat
Lewisham experiences a moderate risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Urban heat island effect can exacerbate temperatures, posing health risks to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Lewisham is not directly exposed to coastal hazards due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.
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 Lewisham
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
Lewisham experiences a moderate risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Urban heat island effect can exacerbate temperatures, posing health risks to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Lack of green spaces
flood Risk
Lewisham faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and potential inundation of properties.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urbanisation
- ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure
coastal Risk
Lewisham is not directly exposed to coastal hazards due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
- ·Coastal erosion
bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfire in Lewisham is relatively low due to its urban environment and limited vegetation. However, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential concern during extreme weather conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High winds
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to flood risk.
Price Impact
Potential for minor price impacts due to increased flood risk.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood history of the property
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves
- 3.Consider the potential for increased insurance premiums
- 4.Review 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
Improve stormwater drainage infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreIncrease green spaces and tree canopy
Near-termPlant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreDevelop a community heatwave plan
ImmediateCreate a plan to support vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including cooling centers and outreach programs.
Est. cost: Low
Learn morePromote water-sensitive urban design
Long-termImplement water-sensitive urban design principles to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Lewisham's Climate Risk Profile
Lewisham, located in the Inner West of Sydney, is primarily an urban residential area. The suburb's climate risks are mainly associated with flooding and heatwaves. Its location near waterways makes it susceptible to stormwater flooding during heavy rainfall events. The urban environment also contributes to the urban heat island effect, increasing temperatures during heatwaves.
Climate change projections indicate that Lewisham will experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, as well as increased rainfall intensity. This could lead to more severe flooding events and greater health risks associated with extreme heat. The community needs to adapt to these changing conditions to protect vulnerable populations and infrastructure.
While Lewisham is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased energy demand, could indirectly affect the suburb. It is important for residents and businesses to consider these broader implications when planning for the future.
Addressing climate risks in Lewisham requires a multi-faceted approach, including improving stormwater drainage infrastructure, increasing green spaces to mitigate the urban heat island effect, and implementing community awareness programs to prepare residents for extreme weather events. Collaboration between local government, community organizations, and residents is essential to building a climate-resilient suburb.
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
Inner West Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks facing Lewisham?
The main climate risks facing Lewisham are flooding and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events.
How will climate change affect property values in Lewisham?
Climate change may have a minor impact on property values in Lewisham due to increased flood risk. Properties in low-lying areas may be more vulnerable.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Lewisham?
The Inner West Council is implementing various initiatives to address climate change, including improving stormwater drainage, increasing green spaces, and developing a climate adaptation plan.
How can I prepare my home for extreme weather events in Lewisham?
You can prepare your home by clearing gutters and downpipes, installing flood barriers, and ensuring adequate insulation to reduce heat stress.
Where can I find more information about climate change impacts in Lewisham?
You can find more information on the Inner West Council website, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website, and the CSIRO 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 Lewisham, 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